Inaugural SAS Stockholm - Glasgow Service Takes Off

13 April 2007: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) today, marked the inauguration of its new twice weekly service to Glasgow from the Swedish capital of Stockholm. Flights depart Stockholm on Monday and Friday mornings and provide excellent links for business and leisure travellers.

Lars Ove-Filipson, SAS General Manager United Kingdom and Ireland, welcomed the inauguration of the new service saying: “SAS is delighted to be entering the Glaswegian market with our new service to Stockholm. We are excited about offering one of the few direct services from Scotland to Sweden.

“Business links between Scotland and Scandinavia continue to grow and our new service will provide a much needed direct service between the two cities for business travellers. Our new service also provides leisure travellers with the opportunity to enjoy either short weekend breaks or an extended holiday.

Councillor Alex Mosson, Chairman – Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, added: “Glasgow City Marketing Bureau is delighted to welcome the national flag carrier of Scandinavia into Glasgow for what, we are sure, will prove to be a highly popular new route.

“The twice-weekly service between Stockholm Arlanda and Glasgow International is already expected to generate around £2.8 million in local economic benefit and we are convinced that the route has the potential to operate daily - such is the interest from Scandinavia - in Glasgow’s retail offering, cultural heritage and of course, its close proximity to some of the best golf courses and most spectacular scenery in the world.

“It is particularly pleasing that the city’s Air Route Development Fund - which is managed by Glasgow City Marketing Bureau on behalf of Glasgow City Council - has played a key role in assisting SAS in launching the new service and demonstrates the effectiveness of working in partnership.”

Gordon Dewar, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, said: “SAS are one of the biggest names in the European airline industry and their arrival in Glasgow is a great vote of confidence in the airport, the city and the tourist industry.

“We look forward to working with SAS to ensure the success of this important new route for Glasgow Airport and for the city. It offers tremendous opportunities for inbound tourism and we’re encouraged by the interest shown so far in Sweden.”

Commenting on the new SAS service Michael Jarvis, International Marketing Manager VisitScotland, said: “We look forward to greater tourism links between Glasgow and Stockholm and feel that this new service will provide an important link between Scotland and Scandinavia. We are delighted that SAS has chosen to expand its UK offering with Glasgow and we look forward to both a long and fruitful relationship with the airline and to welcoming more Swedish people to Scotland.”

Flights will be operated by a Boeing 737-600, with 112 seats. One-way fares start from 82 euros (£56.00) including taxes.

ENDS

Further information from:

Moira Dyer, Senior Manager – Public Relations

Glasgow City Marketing Bureau

Tel: 0044 (0) 141 566 0831. Email: moira.dyer@seeglasgow.com

Note to Editors:

1. The flight schedule is:

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)– Glasgow International (GLA)

SK2543 Monday

Depart ARN - 09.30hrs. Arrive GLA – 10.55

SK2543 Friday

Depart ARN - 08.35hrs. Arrive GLA - 09.50hrs

Glasgow International (GLA) – Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN):

SK2544 Monday

Depart GLA - 11.40hrs. Arrive ARN - 14.55hrs

SK2544 Friday

Depart GLA - 10.40hrs. Arrive ARN - 13.55hrs