STOCKHOLM, Sweden, March 7, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The SAS Group Traffic figures February 2005:
SAS Group highlights
- Total passenger traffic (RPK) increased by 0.8% in February 2005 vs 2004.
- The SAS Group transported 2.3 million passengers in February 2005, an increase of 0.3%.
- Overall group passenger load factor decreased by 1.9 p.u. to 57.2% for February 2005 vs. 2004.
- Yields continued to be stable.
Group market trends and yield development Group total traffic volumes increased in February with a traffic (RPK) growth of 0.8%. Capacity (ASK) increased by 4.2% resulting in a reduced load factor of -1.9 p.u. It must be noted that all traffic figures are negatively affected by last year's leap year with approx 3-4% p.u.
Yield for Scandinavian Airlines in January 2005 was up by 2% vs. 2003 due to improved yield management and full effect of fuel charges. Yield for February will be reported next month, and is expected to be flat or slightly positive.
Capacity on intercontinental routes, was not fully met and load factor was down 8,1 p.u. vs last year, partly due to different holiday pattern. SAS Group European routes continued to stabilize with a traffic increase of 9.4% and cabin factor was flat. SAS Braathens traffic increased by 1.0% and passenger load factor increased by 4.1p.u. Spanair's traffic was up 14.4% and load factor was down with 1.6 p.u. Blue 1 in Finland developed very well with an increase in number of passengers of 42,4% and improved load factor by 8.0 p.u. Swedish domestic routes continued to be weak due to severe overcapacity on many routes.
Group traffic was slightly weaker in February adjusted for the leap year effect. Passenger load factor continued to develop weaker than last year. The capacity reductions initiated under "Capacity and Utilization Focus" will further reduce capacity as from March. Yields continued to be stable in January, up 2% vs 2004. Yield for Scandinavian Airlines Businesses for February is expected to be flat or slightly positive. In summary, yields are expected to be stable vs 2004, but due to the situation with continued overcapacity and the competitive situation and price pressure in many markets, the overall outlook remains cautious.
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