Latest research from Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) reveals that when buying business travel, business travellers regard choice of airport as more important than choice of airline. SAS regularly canvasses more than 500 members of its frequent flier programme, EuroBonus, to gauge members’ views on their business travel needs.

The results of SAS’ second Poll of the Month show, that an overwhelming 75 per cent of respondents make business travel arrangements based on a particular airport preference, and not on airlines.

In addition, 65 per cent of business travellers revealed that speed and efficiency of airport check-in procedures is crucial to their travel.

Unsurprisingly, most business travellers prefer to maximize time at home when having to travel on business with 79 per cent of respondents transiting from home to their departure airport, rather than going directly from their office, perhaps reflecting a better grip on the work/life balance.

When travelling to the airport the majority of respondents still use private taxi (43 per cent), with 35 per cent using public transport, and 22 per cent using a private car.

Lars Ove-Filipson, General Manager SAS UK & Ireland said: “These results demonstrate that time is crucial to today’s business traveller. Airlines and airports which help travelers to maximise their time will win loyal customers, which is why we continue to grow our products from London giving a further choice with the introduction of flights from London City Airport.

“London City Airport is one of Europe’s fastest growing airports for business travel and SAS operates a latest check-in time of 20 minutes before departure - the fastest check-in time for an airport in Europe. Business travellers in the Canary Wharf, City of London and Westminster catchments areas can now choose to fly to Stockholm and Copenhagen straight from their doorstep.”

SAS offers a full three class service from London City, with Business, Economy Flex and Economy. SAS offers 11 return flights a week to Stockholm and 12 weekly return flights to Copenhagen.

SAS has solidified its position as the national flag carrier to Scandinavia by growing its UK and Irish services. During the first three months of 2006 SAS launched five brand new routes between the UK and Ireland and Scandinavia. The new additions to the SAS Group offering include Stansted and Dublin to Helsinki; Newcastle and Aberdeen to Bergen; and London City Airport to Stockholm which complements SAS existing service from London City to Copenhagen.

SAS services Scandinavia from London Heathrow, London City Airport, Gatwick, Stansted, Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, Teeside, Birmingham, Aberdeen and Dublin.

SAS is conducting regular research amongst its EuroBonus members. The results will be released through regular “Poll of the Month” updates and will include members’ views on a variety of travel-related issues.
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