In recent years SAS has created a more efficient and flexible production platform by working with external wet lease operators. The partners provide their services with smaller aircraft on popular SAS routes where there is a need for fewer seats. In autumn 2015, SAS welcomes Flybe as a new partner. The six years agreement follows the termination of an agreement with another operator. Chief Operating Officer Flemming Jensen, SAS, said: “It’s always a great pleasure to take in brand new aircraft in our traffic. We already have very good experiences with the ATR turboprop, and our customers can look forward to high quality and a pleasant and joyful journey with Flybe for SAS. This agreement means that our production can become even more efficient and we also streamline our fleet with respect to the type of aircraft external carriers fly for us.” Saad Hammad, Flybe’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to announce this agreement with SAS which provides a turn-key regional capacity solution. This white label agreement with Scandinavia’s largest carrier confirms Flybe’s twin-engine growth strategy and we are excited about its long-term potential. We look forward to starting operations in Scandinavia next year.” Flybe will operate four new ATR72-600 aircraft with 70 seats and with initial operations for the first two aircraft due to start in October 2015. By March 2016 the next two aircraft will be in operation. The scope of the agreement can be extended with an additional four aircraft to be brought into service as required. The aircraft, which are fully SAS decorated, will operate on routes such as Stockholm-Visby, Stockholm-Kalmar and Stockholm-Turku. For further information please contact SAS Press Office +45 3232 3135