Another 504 Departures Cancelled Wednesday

Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) is continuing to cancel flights as a result of an ongoing pilot strike. On its website, SAS said that it deeply regrets the inconvenience to its passengers caused by the delays and cancellations.

The airline cancelled another 504 departures Wednesday, affecting about 47,000 travelers. In the meantime, the carrier says it is doing everything it can to reach a solution as quickly as possible to prevent additional inconveniences for travelers. Negotiations between SAS and the pilots’ unions  resumed Wednesday, and the two sides hoped to have flights operating again on Thursday, according to The Local Sweden.

"We have entered a good and constructive phase where we, with the help of the national mediator, will hopefully be able to bring an end to this tragic strike," Knut Morten Johansen, the company's press chief in Norway, told Norwegian state broadcaster NRK.

“I am deeply concerned that the pilot strike hasn’t been resolved and that it is continuing to affect our customers. The consequences are serious for all travelers, for society and also for all our employees who are working around the clock to help everyone. The demands made by the pilots’ unions entail significant cost increases for SAS that would threaten the company’s long-term competitiveness and consequently, the jobs of all SAS’ employees. SAS has clearly stated that we are prepared to continue negotiating and find a solution. The unions have not yet indicated that they are ready to release their ultimate demands and return to the negotiating table, which means that we remain in a deadlock”, says Rickard Gustafson, president & CEO of SAS, in a message posted on the company website

Flights operated by SAS’ partners will not be affected by the strike. Travelers concerned that the strike could impact their travel plans may rebook or cancel their tickets free of charge until 5 May.

(Source: SAS news release and as cited. Image from file)

FMI: www.sasgroup.net
The Local Sweden