HOUSTON, Aug. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is now connecting Houston, Texas with Stavanger, Norway through nonstop air service, a move that's expected to significantly strengthen the economic and cultural ties that already exist between two leading players within the oil and gas industry.
Houston Mayor Annise Parker will be celebrating the arrival of SAS on August 22 by utilizing the new air service herself, flying to the Scandinavian region in order to take part in a major oil exhibition. Her departure comes just two days after the airline's inaugural flight.
"Scandinavian Airlines is establishing a key route for the Houston market and they're doing so in a unique manner," Mayor Parker says. "This aircraft is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of the business traveler, a concept that should resonate well with passengers located throughout the Houston region."
The route, which will be available to passengers six days per week, will feature the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) and will have an SAS Long Haul Business Class concept on board, with just 44 comfortable business seats, in-flight entertainment and full-service meals.
"The route we have established is a tailored product for a defined market with particular travel needs," says Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO of SAS. "The favorable timetable provides excellent connections throughout Scandinavia in both directions, while Houston is a hub for connections to the south and west such as Mexico, Los Angeles, Dallas and Phoenix with the Star Alliance."
Houston, which is the fourth largest city in the United States, has seen a dramatic increase in the number of passengers traveling aboard international flights over the last 10 years. During that time, the international passenger totals have increased more than 60 percent, rising to a record total of 9 million in 2013.
Recent additions in air service have dramatically increased Houston's level of international connectivity, with new nonstop flights being launched to Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The arrival of Scandinavian Airlines is the latest exciting news to hit one of the fastest growing regions anywhere in the world.
"Houston's dynamic economy and diverse population are combining to create some amazing opportunities for the Houston Airport System," says Houston Aviation Director Mario C. Diaz. "Our goal is to connect the people, business, cultures and economies of the world to Houston and the arrival of Scandinavian Airlines is a significant step forward in reaching that goal."
SAS will depart from Houston to Stavanger each day of the week except for Tuesdays. The flight departs Houston at 9:35 p.m. arriving the next day in Stavanger at 2.20 p.m. Departures from Stavanger are scheduled for 4:00 p.m., arriving into Houston at 7:40 p.m. on the same day.
SAS will be the only airline with nonstop service between Scandinavia and Houston. SAS has entered into a "wet lease" agreement with the company PrivatAir, which has this special version of the BBJ. The aircraft will carry SAS's distinctive colors and logo.
Still Photographs & Video
Photographs and video of the inaugural flight will be available on fly2houston.com on the evening of August 20, 2014. Photographs and video of the launch celebration will be available on the evening of August 22.
SOURCE Houston Airport System
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