SAS launches non-stop flights between Gothenburg and New York
The air route between Gothenburg and New York has been reopened after more than 30 years, with the first flight departing Gothenburg on Friday, 28 April. With three departures per week, the new SAS non-stop service will reduce travel time for both business and leisure travelers and facilitate trade and tourism between the two regions.
“It’s important for Gothenburg’s global competitiveness that our infrastructure and connectivity grow in line with the economy. The new direct flights are part of our infrastructure, and they strengthen Gothenburg’s attractiveness to both businesses and talents, as well as holidaymakers,” says Henrik Einarsson, director of establishment and investment services at Business Region Göteborg.
West Sweden's business community has long wanted direct flights to the US, and it is easy to understand why. The US is the region's largest export market, and there are 200 American-owned companies in the Gothenburg region, who employ 7,500 people. In addition, large West Swedish companies, including SKF, Essity, AstraZeneca and Volvo-owned Mack Trucks, have operations in Greater Philadelphia, and will benefit from the improved connectivity between the two regions.
“The new service will help facilitate trade, knowledge exchange and collaborations, as opportunities for people to meet and develop relationships will increase,” says Henrik Einarsson.
The new route will fly from Göteborg Landvetter Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport, located around 20 kilometres from Manhattan. The New York airport has many connecting flights to other parts of the US and also offers good access to many of the top US universities.
The service will depart from Gothenburg every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday; and depart from New York every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The route will use Airbus A321 Long Range planes, which have 157 seats and are part of the latest generation of aircraft. According to SAS, they are expected to reduce climate-impacting emissions by approximately 15-18 per cent compared to an equivalent sized-aircraft from the previous generation.
Göteborg Landvetter Airport is Sweden’s second largest international airport. Around 30 airlines offer scheduled flights. In 2019, the airport had 6.6 million passengers, according to the airport's operator Swedavia.