STOCKHOLM, Sweden, March 20, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- On June 1, 2002, passengers flying shorter distances with SAS will experience major changes. With Scandinavian Direct, the curtain between the business and economy class sections of the aircraft will be removed, business travel prices will be reduced by up to 30 percent and a new, uniform onboard-service concept will be introduced. It will also be easier to book, purchase and check-in. The purpose of the changes is to create a simpler and faster travel service for the customer, while simultaneously improving SAS efficiency.
In recent years, business travelers' requirements have changed. The stress of working life is placing increasing demands on travel efficiency and precision, at the same time, customer cost-awareness has increased. This, in combination with travel having become more commonplace, means that business travelers are now making new demands.
"SAS's customer-opinion surveys indicate that business travelers want a clearer and more easily understood price structure, with lower prices. Customers have also acquired new views on status and place greater focus on efficiency. SAS Airline is now taking a first step in a successive renewal to satisfy these new demands on short-haul routes," said Marie Ehrling, President of SAS Airline, adding that "Business travelers continue to be the central focus and we will not become a low-service airline."
Far-Reaching Changes in the Entire Travel Chain
Scandinavian Direct will be introduced on domestic and intra- Scandinavian flights on June 1, 2002. The changes apply to the entire travel chain, from booking to conclusion of the trip. Scandinavian Direct will be introduced in stages, commencing with domestic and intra-Scandinavian flights. Thereafter, it is planned to introduce certain aspects of the new concept on several European routes.
One Class and Business-Travel Price Reductions of Up to 30 Percent
The separating curtain will disappear and be replaced by a single-class concept on all aircraft serving shorter routes. SAS will introduce three new "day-return" prices and cut business travel prices by up to 30 percent. There will also be more distinct differentiation between prices during peak and non-peak traffic.
"Since the prices will be linked more closely to ticket flexibility, we believe that customers will find it easier to accept increases," says Marie Ehrling, who continues: "By offering more day-return prices, we are meeting strong demands from customers who want to travel and return the same day and who have the opportunity to plan such trips in advance."
Simplified Web Booking and New Web-Based Check-In
In conjunction with the introduction of the Scandinavian Direct concept, SAS will present a new website that enables bookings to be conducted more easily and provides opportunities for a Web-based check-in for all passengers traveling on electronic tickets. SAS is also introducing a number of new electronic ticket options, including Travel Pass, which will be valid throughout the Nordic region.
New SMS Service to Meet Traffic Disruptions
SAS is also launching a new information service to assist during traffic disruptions. In the event of a delay, information is sent via SMS to booked customers, who gain better control over their travel plans and can use their time more efficiently. With Scandinavian Direct, SAS will minimize the number of controls encountered by passengers before the departure gate is reached. A simple and timesaving solution. SAS's focus on self-service is continuing and the number of automatic check-in units is being increased at the same time as it becomes possible to also check-in via the SAS website through a so-called Web check-in.
Modernized Onboard Service and Friday Specials
SAS's customer opinion surveys also show that breakfasts are important for travelers on short routes. Accordingly, SAS plans to offer passengers a substantial breakfast, with a diverse mix of coffee and tea types. Lunch, snacks and dinner on the other hand will be replaced by a common concept of offering passengers lighter-meals that is more in keeping with the times, such as wraps and sandwiches. As before, a selection of table waters, wines, soft drinks and beer will be offered with all meals. The Scandinavian Direct concept will be promoted visually through a special design that is intended to symbolize this simplified, contemporary method of air travel.
Simplicity and Value for Money
The changes reflected by the Scandinavian Direct concept are comprehensive and apply to the complete travel chain, from the customer's initial contact with SAS until the trip is completed. Through this new concept, SAS's customers will be provided with a more efficient travel experience for less money, while SAS simultaneously becomes a more efficient airline company.
Simplicity will be the guiding principle when SAS reviews its entire production organization and the way in which it distributes its products and services. This again is a far-reaching project that is intended to improve SAS's future competitiveness.
Illustrations: http://www.scandinavian.net/company/newsfacts/press/latest.asp
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