<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">SAS to cut 4,000 jobs to save further 6-8 bln skr, full effect within 18 mths

Scandinavian Airline Systems AB said it is to cut 4,000 jobs to make further cost savings of 6-8 bln skr, with the full effect expected within 18 months.

The cuts are in addition to the 12.5 bln skr of cuts by 2005 already announced. At full effect, the combined restructuring steps will reduce Scandinavian Airlines' average unit costs by approximately 30 pct, which corresponds to its orginal restructuring goals.

The airline said the new measures are subject to final agreements with unions. </font>