The SAS Group Traffic figures September 2005
Continued improved load factors in September
• SAS Group load factor for September was 71,2% up 5,9 p.u. vs 2004.
• Total passenger traffic (RPK) increased by 9,7% in September 2005 vs 2004.
• The SAS Group transported 3,4 million passengers in September 2005, an increase of 13,0%.
• Scandinavian Airlines Businesses’ load factor in September was up 7,9 p.u. to a record 74,0%
Group market trends and yield development
Group total traffic volumes (RPK) developed well in September with an increase of 9,7%. Capacity (ASK) increased by 0,6% resulting in improved load factor of 5,9 p.u. to 71,2%.
As from September 1st Scandinavian Airlines and Blue 1 has introduced new Business Models with one-way fares and simplified rules on European and Intrascandinavian routes.
Due to the relatively short timeframe this model has been active it is too early to make conclusions on the effects, but the expected yield drop to be offset by improved passenger load factor seems on track so far.
Yields for August were down 1,2% compared with 2004.
Yields for Scandinavian Airlines for September are preliminary and expected to be less than last year at an estimated level of -5%-10%, offset by improved load. Final figures will be provided in the October traffic report.
Traffic and load factor trends continued to improve in September compared with last year.
Some signs of reduced capacity in the marketplace have emerged, but overall and due to the situation with continued overcapacity and the competitive situation with price pressure in many markets the overall outlook remains cautious.
Intercontinental traffic was up by 0,5% in September. Passenger load factor improved by 6,1 p.u. to 87,3%.
SAS Group European traffic increased by 17,6% and passenger load factor increased by 7,2 p.u.. The introduction of Scandinavian Airlines new business model on European routes has been well received and load factor increased by 11,6 p.u. to 71,8%. Traffic on Swedish domestic routes continued to develop well and load factor increased by 11,6 p.u. to 65,0%. Blue 1 in Finland continued with strong growth with an increase in traffic of 23,6%. Blue 1’s passenger load factor improved by 10,3 p.u. to 61,1%. Spanair’s traffic was up 20,3% and load factor was up 1,5 p.u. to 66,7%.
For further information Please contact
VP,Head of SAS Group Investor Relations Sture Stølen
+ 46 8 797 1451 sture.stolen@sas.se
Homepage: www.sasgroup.net