New Service from SAS from March - Live from press-conference
 

Just heard Mats say:

* Lower Extra prices
* Improved food service Business and Extra
* Re-introduction of two class service within Scandinavia

I'll update as it continues...

* ARN-BKK from November
* The upgrade of intercont seats finished in May

Good news for many of us presented in the presentation
Source, SAS Year End Report 2006

More Advantages for our main customers
- Fast Track Security to be introduced at more airports
- EuroBonus Gold members will receive added benefits
- Harmonized product on both Europe/Intrascand flights
- Economy Extra to be available at lower prices
- Improved product service feature
- ... much more
- "It pays to be a loyal customer"

I have been waiting the whole morning for this, but I'd still like to see some more details, no proper press release yet on sas.se.
"Improved business class" has been announced before, and it didn't make a big difference last time.

Still so far it looks like something a lot better than today, I especially like added benefits for EBG, I think the new CEO has a much better vision of what SAS ought to look like in the future.

Mats Jansson talked about the ability to really differentiate these three classes as they are targeted toward three individually different customer demands - Economy for leisure and shopping, Extra for travellers demanding flexibility and seamless service, Business for those travellers demanding even more. Drew parallel to Virgin Atlantic with Upper Class, Premium Economy and Economy.

Seems SAS are targeting Economy Extra the most. They see this as the unique service they offer currently, and I guess with the new lower prices they will be more agressive with it...

The complete PowerPoint presentation can be viewed here:
http://www.sasgroup.net/SASGROUP_IR/...rence_4q06.pdf

AND FINALLY - AMAZING NEWS!!!

EuroBonus Gold Members will receive complimentary food and beverage!!!

Also, as we have discussed previously - self-service check-in only in Economy class...

SAS launches new route from Stockholm. From the end of October, SAS will also
operate Stockholm-Bangkok.

Both business and leisure travelers are showing widespread interest in Bangkok.
Therefore, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) will launch a new route from Stockholm to
Bangkok at the end of October 2007. This route will be operated three times a
week in both directions in addition to the already existing service between
Copenhagen and Bangkok.

Demand for convenient connections to/from Thailand has increased in recent
years. Peak demand to Bangkok is seen in the winter period of October to March.

"Bangkok is one of Asia's most important cities and a highly attractive
destination for business travel and also for leisure travelers. Additional
frequencies to Bangkok has been sought after by our customers and we are really
pleased to meet this request" says Lars Sandahl, Chief Commercial Officer,
Scandinavian Airlines International.

The launch of this route is part of SAS's new strategy which, using a dynamic
traffic program, makes it possible to offer customers more flexible and
individual solutions. The route between Stockholm and Bangkok will lead to
quicker and more convenient connections for both the Swedish and the Norwegian
markets, since the departure schedule has been specially adapted also for
connections to and from Oslo.

SAS will continue to operate Copenhagen to Bangkok with the usual high
frequency.

SAS has had a partnership with Thai Airways for many years. Thai Airways flies
from Bangkok to many key destinations within Thailand, Southeast Asia and
Australia. Based on this partnership, SAS offers the Scandinavian market
excellent connections to numerous destinations in Thailand, Singapore and
South-East Asia.

This means that with only one stop, both business travelers and tourists can
easily reach their destination. Passengers need only check in once for their
entire journey since baggage is checked in to the final destination. SAS Euro
Bonus members will be able to make use of the usual Star Alliance benefits,
including the ability to earn and use Euro Bonus points on both airlines, lounge
access, etc.

Customers to Bangkok will be offered the very highest level of comfort. The
route will be operated using an Airbus 340, with all Business Class seats
equipped with SAS's comfortable Business Sleepers. SAS has also introduced a
number of new features in its two other classes, Economy Extra and Economy, to
improve the flight experience for all intercontinental customers.


Scandinavian Airlines International


For further information, please contact
Kerstin Edenby-Stross, Director Information & Communication, Phone: +46 8 797 12
36,
e-mail: [email protected]

Scandinavian Airlines International is the long-haul operator of SAS with 1.5
million passengers per year. The fleet consists of 11 Airbus 330/340 which
serves nine destinations: New York, Chicago, Washington, Seattle, Bangkok,
Beijing, Tokyo, Copenhagen and Stockholm.

------------------------------------------------------------
This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net
The following files are available for download:
http://wpy.waymaker.net/client/wayma...fn=wkr0001.pdf
Download pdf-version of press release

Great news! Finally announcements that are not just minor adjustments! Thanks for the update, Point_chaser

Do you know more exactly what "food and beverages" means?

Still, it sounds awesome!! :)

Great news
 

"Fast Track Security is being introduced at even more airports, meaning a quicker and more convenient passage through to departing aircraft. Lounges are being made more attractive through various changes, such as the recently launched Internet and telephony services via Skype. Once onboard, passengers seated in Business and Economy Extra classes will be offered an improved range of food and drink while Economy class passengers will be able to make purchases from a new selection of food and drink items".
"Frequent travelers who are Gold members of the EuroBonus program can expect improved and more personal service and look forward to more attractive offers in a number of areas".
This is very good news and will make me stay with EuroBonus a new period. Looking foreward what too come! Wat will improved and more personal service mean?

No idea... Water and a WASA knäcke? ;)

I'm very curious about the reintroducion of two-class service intra-scand. Wonder what they will serve to Business class passengers ARN-CPH for instance...

What I think is great with the news today is that they really seem to be taking a new route! It's no long cost-cutting focus - it's SERVICE FOCUS!
I like this return to a good quality airline! And finally they seem to care about EBG's..! GREAT!

Don´t hold your breath. We all know what enhanced or improved service means in airline lingo.

I have to admit that this time the news seem to be good. But, I´m still doubtful whether they´ll actually deliver. Promises are just words. Let´s hope that this time they mean what they say. ^

I think a harmonized product Europe/Scandinavia makes a lot of sense. ^ More benefits to Golds: always welcome ^ . No mention of Silvers, suppose that will stay without any (real) benefits. Blue1 again losing money as h.ll. I wonder how long SAS will continue pouring money there...

Thanks for the info Point_chaser!

Yes, thanks a lot for all the info so far Point_chaser!! ^

Are you following the press conference live at Frösundavik?