INTERVIEW: Albert Henschel

ATN talks to Scandinavian Airlines’ (SAS’s) new man in the UAE, general manager for the country, Albert Henschel

ATN: What is your travel industry background?

I started as a sales representative at Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)-owned Swedish travel agency Nyman and Schultz back in 1975 with business and group travel as the main target groups. In 1979 I moved to the SAS-owned tour operator Globetrotter selling intercontinental tour packages through travel agencies across Sweden. I started my career at SAS in 1983 as head of the downtown ticket office in Stockholm and later went on to become a business controller. I spent five years in the route network planning department and one year in the product development department. Between 2000 and 2004 I was SAS district sales manager in St Petersburg, Russia and for the last five years I have been working in product development, in electronic ticketing and travel pass solutions.

ATN: What are your main responsibilities in this role?

I am responsible for the sales and marketing of SAS in the UAE. By increasing the awareness of SAS and through close cooperation with travel agencies, I expect SAS to perform well in our winter operation.

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I hope to be a good ambassador for my company by using my previous experiences and the strong feeling I have for the very special and unique quality values of SAS.

ATN: How will you further promote Scandinavian Airways in the Middle East?

I will promote SAS by using our good relations with agencies and by making sure we always have attractive and competitive prices for both private and business travel to Scandinavia and northern Europe.

ATN: What will be the biggest challenges facing you in the new role?

Since I am the only representative for SAS in this country, the biggest challenge is that one day is limited to only 24 hours. That makes it difficult for me to enjoy this lovely place to the extent I would like to.