Scandinavian carrier SAS continues to expand their offerings, as it makes its return to the Thai market with a new route to Bangkok for the winter 2023/2024 season. This will be the first time in a decade that the airline has operated into Bangkok.
The carrier will operate the route out of Copenhagen, something its Star Alliance partner, Thai Airways, also does. SAS reportedly served its last flight to Bangkok in April of 2013, thus making the return a big one.
SAS opens the route as a result of high demand, and therefore expands its overall Asian offerings as the company offers flights to China and Japan from before and in the same season.
Back to Bangkok
After serving its last flight to Bangkok in 2013, Scandinavian Airlines, or SAS, has announced their return to the city and to Thailand with services from Copenhagen, Denmark.
The decision to open the route to Bangkok comes as the airline is seeing high demand for leisure travel to the area.
Following the expansion, travellers will now have two choices of transportation to Bangkok, as SAS’s Star Alliance partner, Thai Airways, also operates the route. SAS will operate the route three times per week with their Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
The company will also serve Shanghai and Tokyo Haneda through the same season on a similar frequency.
The A350s that are to be operated on the routes will feature a three-class configuration, consisting of “SAS Go” (Economy Class), “SAS Plus” (Premium Economy) and “SAS Business” (Business Class).
Overall, the aircraft features 300 seats and creates for a great passenger experience with reduced noise emissions and a spacious cabin.
Flight schedule
SAS has announced the first departure will be completed on October 30 this year, and will run on the following time table:
- Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – Outbound CPH
- SK973, Departs CPH 23:30 local, arrives BKK 17:05 local (+1)
- Tuesdays Thursdays and Saturdays – Outbound BKK
- SK974, Departs BKK 23:45 local, arrives CPH 06:35 local (+1)
The route will as mentioned be a seasonal route, and SAS adresses that the route opening is subject to government approval.
SAS Statement
On the newly announced route, SAS President & CEO, Anko van der Werff stated: “Thailand and the Scandinavian countries have a long history of friendship and cooperation and returning with a direct route after nine years is a true pleasure.”
“The Bangkok route will offer a perfect entry point for wider Thailand and be a great option for both business and leisure travelers.”
“Bangkok is a vibrant meeting point for international businesses and the country has topped several rankings as the world’s most popular tourist destination with its beautiful beaches, lush jungles and extraordinary Thai cuisine.”
“Regardless of reason to travel, we are excited to once again offer a direct connection between Scandinavia and the Land of Smiles,” he concluded.
Overall
Despite making it a seasonal route, SAS’s return to Bangkok after 10 years becomes a big one – it also doubles the capacity on the Copenhagen – Bangkok route, presuming that Thai Airways are to continue operations during that period of time.
SAS is continuing to expand the company’s offerings and is working on accommodating the increased demand for leisure travel, hence why the route to Bangkok is to be seen in their winter program for 2023/2024. However, if the route could become a year-round service remains to be seen.
