SAS departure to airline valhalla?

[akerosid]

Looks like this could be the end of one of Europe's best carriers:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-1...ew-pilots.html

The airline has rejected offers from cabin crew and pilots; acft leaving Scandinavia are being told to take enough to cover expenses and all acft outside Scandinavia are being ordered back. Very sad to see.

I do hope this is just a negotiating ploy by management to show how bad things are, but it must certainly scare customers, current and potential, as well. In SAS, we have one of the world's great innovators and also, one of the best in the business, from a customer service standpoint. It has a record of innovation going back many years, from transpolar flights to being one of the first European operators of jet aircraft. Of course, in these days of Ryanair and Norwegian, this all counts for nothing.

http://jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=6836605&nseq=11

[SAMRPICS]

This is extremely sad for the industry and particularly for me as SK was the first airline i ever flew with. 1997 on a SK DC9 to Copenhagen from Manchester returning in 1998 on another SK DC9.

[TAP-A343]

Somehow, I don't see the governments of Denmark, Sweden and Norway letting SAS disappear.

[Gabriel]

What happened to Jan Karlsson and his "Moments of truth"?
Those were happy times...

[vikma4]

Originally Posted by TAP-A343

Somehow, I don't see the governments of Denmark, Sweden and Norway letting SAS disappear.

I would agree with this. I have to admit I don't know too much about the history of the relationship between SAS and the various Scandinavian governments, but somehow I feel the authorities involved won't simply back away and get involved in some way. I feel they'd want to put their hands and input in this one way or another...

[IberiaMD-87]

"Moments of truth"?
Those were happy times...

Carlzon's vision was the right one durint the 1980s and I agree with you that "those were happy times" during the 1980s with a clear strategy. BTW it is a very nice book to read about the "Moments of truth" at SAS.

Newest about SAS:

Scandinavian Airlines reached major agreements with unions. This archievement dramatically improves the chance of SAS to avoid bankruptcy. Despite several sources it seems that SAS cancelled only a few flights this morning (not above average!). The airline battles with huge problems to reach the goal to have enough cash-flow to continue their ops. The overall staff will be reduced by 6,000 from the 15,000 currently employed people. The new agreements will take effect on December 1st, 2012 and includes a number of changes including a raise of the retirement-age to 65 years. SAS seems to operate as scheduled.

As far as I am concerned there is no "Chapter 11" like in the USA here in Europe. So a company that runs out of money is not able to flee under the umbrella of Chapter 11.

Regards

[brianw999]

Sad.

A happy christmas for just over half of the employees....not so happy for just under half !

[Peter Kesternich]

So, does that mean Flybe will get its wish and be able to buy Wideroe?

[SAMRPICS]

I hope it doesnt although im sure they wouldnt be the only bidders for the airline.
Norwegian may consider it a good investment for some of the smaller airports they dont currently serve and also as a way of eliminating competition. Although would SK really want to sell Wideroe to the airline that has caused them the most bother in the first place?

[IberiaMD-87]

Scandinavian Airlines announced that the company will open up to 45 new routes in 2013, some of these were were previously operated.

Although would SK really want to sell Wideroe to the airline that has caused them the most bother in the first place?

Hopefully Widerøe will be able to retain their identity - such a great history of flying up and down the Norwegian sea-borders.

Regards

[TAP-A343]

Originally Posted by IberiaMD-87

Scandinavian Airlines announced that the company will open up to 45 new routes in 2013, some of these were were previously operated.

Almost all of those routes are only seasonal.