Ryanair takes on Scandinavia’s SAS in battle for customers

RYANAIR is going head-to-head with Scandinavia carrier SAS in a vicious battle for customers as Ryanair offer fares up to 95% cheaper than SAS from its ninth European base 100km south of Stockholm.

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary announced yesterday it was setting up its first base in Scandinavia at the Stockholm Skavsta airport, putting further pressure on loss-making Scandinavian flag carrier SAS.

"Thanks to Ryanair, and Stockholm Skavsta Airport, the SAS high fares monopoly in the Scandinavian market is at an end," Mr O'Leary said.