Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) will launch direct flight to China on March 26.

This is a part of SAS's new China strategy, the aim of which is to rationalize air traffic and better serve customers' needs through such activities as expanding accessibility to the Chinese market.

SAS has chosen to focus on Beijing from several locations in Scandinavia. Beijing will in the future work as the main hub and gateway for SAS in China, with great possibilities to connect to other Chinese and Asian destinations.

With Beijing's geographical location, the new airport terminal that will be completed later in 2007, and SAS extended cooperation with Air China, Beijing will be an excellent point for transfer.

Starting from March 26, SAS will operate 10 flights a week from Beijing to Scandinavia, including six flights to Copenhagen, and 4 flights to Stockholm.

Furthermore, from September 2007 traffic will be strengthened with additional departures to the two Scandinavian Capitals.

"We want to open all of Scandinavia to China and our future vision is that Beijing will become SAS's gateway to China, regardless of whether customers fly from Stockholm, Oslo or Copenhagen and regardless of their final destination", says Lars Lindgren, CEO of SAS.

"Through our partnership with Air China, we can offer travelers wishing to connect to other destinations a unique network of direct flights throughout China In addition, this partnership means that customers earn frequent flyer points, enjoy a smoother check-in and the availability of connecting flights that meet their specific needs," he said.

As part of the new strategy, SAS will discontinue non-stop flights from Copenhagen to Shanghai's Pudong International Airport from April 9th. However, SAS will continue operation of the representative office in Shanghai.