SAS opens an airlift to Thailand

Starting 29th of December, SAS, in response to requests from the Scandinavian governments, has opened an airlift between Scandinavia and Thailand to bring home travelers who have been affected by the catastrophe in Southeast Asia.

We are pleased that we can do our part in helping those who have been affected in Thailand by using this airlift, says Lars Lindgren, head of Scandinavian Airlines International who is responsible for SAS intercontinental traffic. Together with the existing capacity from the scheduled daily departures from Bangkok in the following days, we count on being able to bring home around 3500 passengers.

From now until New Year `s Day, thirteen extra flights will take place. Of these, four will go to Oslo, six to Arlanda and three to Copenhagen. The flights will go to both Bangkok and Phuket. Boeing 737-800 and Airbus 330/340 aircraft will be used. The first two planes left Arlanda before lunchtime today.

We see ourselves as the airline of the Scandinavian people, and of course we do what we can to help to rescue Scandinavians, who have been affected by this tragic catastrophe, says Anders Ehrling, CEO for Scandinavian Airlines Sweden. We are now receiving daily calls from pilots as well as cabin attendants who are prepared to volunteer their help. I also know that my colleagues in SAS Braathens in Norway and Scandinavian Airlines in Denmark see the situation in the same way.