SAS Group's March 2011 traffic figures

 • SAS Group’s traffic (RPK) increased by 0.3% during March and capacity (ASK) increased 7.6% vs same period 2010.

• The passenger load factor decreased by 5 p.u. to 68.1%.

• SAS Group carried 2.3 million passengers in March, up 4.9%.

Group market trends, RASK and yield development

During February 2011, currency adjusted RASK was down 1.6% and yield was down 1.7%, in line with guidance. The improvement compared with previous months reflects a positive mix, especially on the new added capacity. For March 2011, passenger yield (change vs last year) is expected be in line with February, but due to falling load factor for March, RASK (change) is expected to be lower than February outcome.  Last year’s load factor was positively affected by the Easter holiday at the same time as demand on intercontinental routes was lower in March 2011. On 22 March, fuel surcharges were raised between EUR 3-5 on domestic and international routes within Europe.

The market remains unpredictable, particularly RASK development due to overcapacity in certain markets and rising jet fuel prices. Scandinavian Airlines is continuously improving its customer offering  and  improvements in customer satisfaction has been achieved. The implementation of the cost saving program is on track.