Regional carrier Flybe is to provide flights for SAS under a new “white label” agreement between the two airlines.
Flybe will operate four ATR 72-600 aircraft on short-haul European routes for SAS from October 2015 in an initial six-year deal. Flybe will provide all crew and maintenance under the contract.
Saad Hammad, Flybe’s CEO, 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.”
The announcement comes two weeks after Flybe sold its 60 per cent stake in the loss-making Flybe Finland joint venture to Finnair for €1.
Flybe said that the new SAS deal had the “scope” to be extended beyond the six-year period and for another four aircraft to be brought into service if needed.
SAS chief operating officer Flemming Jensen said: “We already have very good experiences with the ATR turboprop.
“This agreement means that SAS’ production can become even more effective and we also streamline our fleet with respect to the type of aircraft external carriers fly for us.”