A high level delegation from SAS Scandinavian Airlines International has met with His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman, Emirates Group, in order to emphasise the importance of the booming Middle East Aviation sector inspite of growing concerns of the global economic recession.The visit by SAS International CEO, Lars Sandahl S¿rensen, and Per M¿ller Jensen, Vice President for SAS International Areas, coinicided with the start of the second Dubai-Copenhagen season of SAS Airlines International - the main body within the SAS Group tasked with handling intercontinental routes and its businesses outside Scandinavia and Finland.

“The Middle East aviation sector is the only one worldwide which has seen positive growth this year and our visit to Dubai as an international airline underlines our need to find strategic alliances and shared cooperation between the European and Middle East markets,” said S¿rensen.

“Dubai is vital to our regional operations as SAS Scandinavian Airlines, through its Dubai-Copenhagen service, provides that important link between the two air travel hubs of Copenhagen for Scandinavia and Northern Europe, and Dubai for the Middle East. Both destinations are significant in terms of tourism and leisure travel opportunities, as well as in fuelling the growing business activity between the two regions,” added S¿rensen.

The delegation also visited their strategic partners and customers at separate events including DNATA who are their General Sales Agent in the UAE.

“These meetings provided us with the input required to make an assessment for SAS Airlines to fly all-year-round to the region,” said Jensen. “Currently, we are expecting significant growth during the second season of our Dubai-Copenhagen service as compared with last year. However, in order to consider flying all-year-round into the region, we have to make sure that there is indeed enough demand out there for us to do so.

“However, SAS Airlines products and services - known to be a leading innovator for many years - is also a key factor in attracting Middle Eastern visitors.”

SAS Airlines Dubai-Copenhagen route has the shortest travel time between the cities, enabling quick onward connectivity between important European destinations and Dubai.

“With SAS Airlines long history and experience in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, it is without a doubt that we are in the best position to provide a truly Scandinavian travel experience,” said Anna Lyczak-Czepukojc, SAS Airlines’ UAE General Manager, who was part of the delegation visiting Sheikh Ahmed.

“The visit of two of our high ranking officials into Dubai is proof to the Middle East market, as well as for Scandinavian travellers that we are seriously looking into further improving our products and services, and maybe even expanding it soon.”

SAS Airlines flies thrice a week on the Dubai-Copenhagen route with departures from Dubai International Airport, on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
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