Scandinavian Airlines is to reintroduce a business class cabin on short-haul flights due to “increasing customer demand for premium service”.
SAS, which dropped business class cabins on short-haul services in 2013, said it would restore the cabin for all international flights within Europe from 1 October.
Instead of business class, the airline has been offering SAS Plus on short-haul flights during the past decade. This is a premium economy-style product with the same seating as economy but offering added benefits such as drinks, snacks, fast-track security and lounge access, plus priority boarding.
SAS has now changed tack on this strategy and plans to reintroduce a “clear and recognisable” business class cabin on European services.
This will include a dedicated cabin at the front of the aircraft for business class travellers with the middle seats blocked to provide more space.
There will also be an “enhanced” dining experience onboard and “priority treatment” for passengers at airports covering check-in, boarding and access to more lounges.
Paul Verhagen, chief commercial officer at SAS, said: “Many of our comfort and quality-focused travellers expect a clearly defined European business class that aligns with international standards.
“While SAS Plus has provided an upgraded experience, it has lacked the recognition and clarity that travellers seek. With the reintroduction of European business class, we are ensuring that SAS offers the premium experience of a top European airline.”
The airline added in a statement that the reintroduction of short-haul business class “supports SAS's long-term strategy and strengthens Copenhagen’s role as a global hub for Scandinavian and European connectivity”.
The new cabin will be available on all SAS’s international European flights, including services within Scandinavia. It will be available to book from 6 May.