SAS obtains an AOC in Ireland, planning operational bases in London and Spain

SAS obtained (01-Feb-2017) an air operator certificate (AOC) in Ireland and plans to establish bases in London and Spain. The airline aims to commence the new operations from winter 2017/2018. The majority of operations will continue to be based in Scandinavia. Start up costs for the new AOC and bases are expected to impact earnings. The financial effects will initially be small, but will gradually increase as operations grow. In parallel with the new AOC, SAS plans further structural measures for its operations, in line with those announced in the 2015/2016 year-end report. The carrier said, "If SAS is to secure the long-term profitability of key traffic flows and actively participate in the growing leisure market, SAS must have the same preconditions as other market participants." SAS president and CEO Rickard Gustafson said, "The establishment of new bases means we can complement our Scandinavian production and, in time, build an even broader network with a superior schedule to the benefit of our customers." [more - original PR - English/Swedish]