SAS to expand domestic network

Scandinavian airline SAS will introduce new domestic services and increase flight frequencies on existing routes across Sweden, the carrier announced on Thursday (2 January).

The Stockholm-based airline, which recently joined the SkyTeam Airline Alliance and has been steadily rebuilding its international network after exiting Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US last August, is now looking to bolster domestic connectivity via a “strategic” wet lease partnership with Braathens Regional Airways AB (BRA).

The deal will see seven BRA aircraft operate on SAS routes from Stockholm’s Arlanda airport with a “gradual ramp-up” starting in January 2025. This includes the introduction of two new routes from 27 January between Arlanda and both Kalmar and Halmstad. The carrier also recently launched seasonal services to Sälen from both Arlanda and Ängelholm-Helsingborg for the current winter season.

SAS president and CEO Anko van der Werff said: “Our new partnership with BRA will make it easier for people to travel to a wide range of destinations in Sweden, for both outbound and inbound travellers. We look forward to contributing even further to economic growth and continuing to play a key role in connecting Sweden with the world.”

The carrier, in a statement, said it plans to open another lounge “near the security checkpoint” at Arlanda airport in the first quarter of 2025.