SAS sells airlines and quits HQ to cut costs

Scandinavian Airline System ( SAS ) has announced plans to save 2.8 billion kronor ($400 million) between now and 2011, selling subsidiaries including Spanair and moving from its Stockholm headquarters.

• Drunken airline pilot stopped at Arlanda (10 May 12)
• Business Brief: Casas do Barlavento - luxury villas in Portugal (26 Mar 12)
• SAS earnings hit by Spanair bankruptcy (9 Feb 12)

The company said it aimed to be generating annual profits of 4 billion kronor between now and 2011. As well as selling its Spanish subsidiary Spanair, the company will sell its 20 percent shareholding in BMI and its 37.5 percent stake in Air Greenland.

The company will also review the structure and roles of SAS Ground Services, SAS Technical Services and its terminal services operation Spirit.

The measures are expected to be put in place between 2007 and 2009. The group said it hoped to increase passenger numbers by 20 percent.

“The airline market is changing rapidly. We want to be in the forefront in terms of giving customers the best service and the most attractive fares,” said SAS CEO Mats Jansson .

Jansson also said that a new 'cooperation model' would be established with unions.

"We have to abandon the strike culture that has long existed at SAS," adding that the company needed a new customer-oriented culture.

"This will ensure our future as a strong and independent airline and also give us an opportunity to involve employees in the value that is created through profit sharing and part ownership,” Jansson said.

SAS's investor relations manager Sture Stölen said that the company expected to sell its shares in Spanair and BMI next year, although he said that the sale process had already begun.

"Regarding BMI, we are currently locked into a joint venture agreement with Lufthansa, which we hope to be able to dissolve next year."

BMI, formerly British Midland, is the UK's second-largest airline and owns 20 percent of take off and landing slots at London Heathrow Airport. Its founder and chairman, Sir Michael Bishop, owns 50 percent plus one share. Lufthansa owns 30 percent of the airline.

The group's headquarters in Frösundavik, Stockholm, were sold several years ago and leased back by the company. The company now plans to leave the building as soon as possible, with Arlanda Airport the most likely destination for headquarters staff.

"A total of 700 people work in Frösundavik and they will become fewer. Of the total savings of 2.8 billion kronor, the central administration accounts for savings of 200-300 million," said information director Hans Ollengren.

SAS brought forward the presentation of its strategy plan following leaks of the content over the past few days.

The price of the company's shares rose on the Stockholm Stock Exchange following the announcement.