SAS will offer 21 new destinations to choose from when the 2012 summer schedule comes into operation in March next year.

"A great many of those customers who fly with us on everyday business trips are also keen to get the same value for money, in the form of reliable punctuality, excellent personal service and attractive prices, when they go on vacation. So we are now giving them, and everyone else, an even wider selection, as we look to expand our already extensive timetable with an additional 21 exciting routes," said Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO of SAS.

The launching of so many routes is also a direct extension of SAS's new "4Excellence" strategy.

"We expect a large proportion of the growth in the airline industry to come from leisure passengers, and this is naturally something SAS wants to share in. At the same time, we will make even more efficient use of our aircraft, enabling us to expand the range we offer to our customers. All in all, this is an offensive initiative that will create profitable growth that benefits both the customer and SAS," said Gustafson.

As well as launching many new routes, SAS will also be increasing frequencies on its key Norwegian domestic routes.

Tickets for the 21 new destinations go on sale on Thursday, 20 October 2011.