SAS Scandinavian Airlines is increasing its service between Scandinavia and Beijing due to high demand. A daily service between Copenhagen and Beijing was introduced last month and early next year, SAS will also further increase frequency on its Stockholm-Beijing route to six weekly.

"The demand between Scandinavia and China is particularly strong, with a load factor of over 90% in recent months. We are therefore pleased to have introduced a daily service between Copenhagen and Beijing. We also look forward to further increased frequencies between Stockholm and Beijing as of March 2008, to further meet customer demand," says Lars Sandahl Sorensen, Chief Executive Officer, SAS International.

"SAS uses Beijing as our main hub in China, and we now offer excellent connections with code share flights to major important destinations such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu. These routes are served by our partner, and soon-to-be Star Alliance member, Air China."

"We are also pleased that the Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Olympic Games teams have all chosen to travel with SAS to Beijing next summer," says Sandahl Sorensen.

SAS passengers traveling in Business or Economy Extra are upgraded when available when traveling domestic with Air China. Business class passengers will travel onwards in First class, whilst those in Economy Extra are upgraded to Business. SAS passengers in all classes can also enjoy the free Meet and Assist service that is available at Beijing Airport.

SAS currently operates 10 weekly services between Scandinavia and China. During the summer 2008 programme, SAS will continue to operate a daily service between Copenhagen and Beijing, and six flights a week between Stockholm and Beijing, bringing the total to 13 weekly services.

During the first quarter of 2008, a new Star Alliance terminal will open at Beijing airport, as well as an additional runway. Next year, Beijing will host the Olympic Games between August 8 and 24, which will also significantly increase the number of customers wishing to travel to China.