UK Plc loses more hours to business travel than industrial action

Research released today from Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), reveals that UK businesses are losing valuable hours and revenue due to employees being out of touch while travelling on business.

More than 3.7 million hours were lost to industrial action during 2003. In comparison, more than 31 million hours were lost by business travellers being inaccessible or unable to communicate and carry out primary business functions such as checking and responding to email while flying*.

Industrial action has historically been seen as a primary cause in the reduction of productivity for UK businesses. This research released by SAS reveals that while industrial action is on the decrease, the amount of time business travellers spend out of touch is on the increase, with a direct result on a companyís productivity.

SAS allows passengers to bring their business to the skies. The airline is the first to offer in-flight broadband internet access on all its intercontinental services, giving all passengers in every cabin the opportunity to remain connected and in touch with their business through satellite based wi-fi technology.

Jeff Rebello PR and Advertising Manager, Scandinavian Airlines said, ìBusiness moves at too quick a rate for us to be out of touch with our colleagues for the length of an intercontinental flight. In the space of nine to fifteen hours, a business landscape can change dramatically. With SAS Net Access passengers can keep up to date with colleagues or clients as if they were still in the office ñ if they choose.î

SASís Net Access, is provided by Boeing Connexion and allows business passengers in all cabin classes to access the internet. With the appropriate software passengers can also access their virtual private networks, allowing them to keep in touch through company email and other internet based business software packages.

The Net Access service will cost US$29.95 (17.0278 GBP) for the entire flight or US$9.95 (5.65670 GBP) for the first 30 minutes and 25 cents (0.142128 GBP) per minute thereafter. The service is available immediately on all SAS intercontinental flights.