=20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was sent to you by someone who found it on SF Gate. The original article can be found on SFGate.com here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=3D/news/archive/2002/04/29/f= inancial1435EDT0159.DTL ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Monday, April 29, 2002 (AP) SAS to cut around 850 jobs after takeover of Norwegian carrier Braathens (04-29) 11:35 PDT STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) -- Scandinavian Airlines System will cut around 850 jobs following last year's takeover of Norwegian carrier Braathens ASA, a senior executive said Monday. The cuts amount to just over 2 percent of the combined work force of abo= ut 35,000 workers. While Braathens will continue to operate under its own brand, some areas will be integrated into the SAS group. "This will generate redundancies ... in the region of 850 jobs (and) mainly within sales, freight handling and other ground services," SAS deputy chief executive Marie Ehrling said in an interview. It wasn't clear where the job cuts would be made, but Braathens unions in Norway have expressed concern recently that any layoffs would be from their ranks. SAS will reveal more details on the integration of Braathens within the next few weeks, Ehrling said. SAS took over Braathens in December 2001. Both airlines have announced route reductions and cost-cutting measures in the wake of industry woes that followed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. Braathens, which was founded in 1946, has more than 4,000 employees. SAS, the joint flag carrier of Sweden, Denmark and Norway, has nearly 31,000 employees. =20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2002 AP