Scandinavian Airlines has announced a return to offering European business class on its short-haul flights, marking the first time in 15 years the carrier will offer a dedicated premium cabin on these routes. The changes are set to take effect starting October 1, with ticket sales beginning May 6.
This move comes as SAS aims to meet rising demand for improved services among travelers, specifically concerning the "soft product" offerings. "Many of our comfort- and quality-focused travelers expect a clearly-defined European Business Class that aligns with international standards," stated SAS Chief Commercial Officer Paul Verhagen.
The new business-class cabin will consist of the standard European arrangement: coach-type seats with the middle seat blocked off and a curtain that separates the premium area from the rest of the aircraft. This approach is common among European airlines and mirrors the concept introduced by U.S. budget carrier Frontier Airlines last year.