STOCKHOLM, Sweden, June 07, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The SAS Group Traffic figures May 2005
SAS Group highlights
- Total passenger traffic (RPK) increased by 4,1% in May 2005 vs 2004. - The SAS Group transported 3,1 million passengers in May 2005, an increase of 5,2%. - Overall group passenger load factor increased by 0,6 p.u. to 65,5% for May 2005 vs. 2004.
Group market trends and yield development Group total traffic volumes (RPK) developed well in May with an increase in May of 4,1%. Capacity (ASK) increased by 3,1% resulting in an increased load factor of 0,6 p.u.
Yield for Scandinavian Airlines in Apil 2005 was up by 14% vs. 2004 due to the "Easter holiday effect", improved yield management and full effect of fuel charges. Yields for May are to be reported next month, and is expected to be positive vs last year.
Capacity on intercontinental routes, was not fully met and load factor was down 3,2 p.u. vs last year. SAS Group European traffic increased and passenger load factor improved by 2,3 p.u. SAS Braathens' traffic increased by 4,7%. Scandinavian Airlines Sverige's traffic decreased due to capacity reduction. The new domestic concept has been very well received in the market and passenger load factor continued to improve to 70%. Spanair's traffic was strong, due to good growth from new routes. Traffic was up 17,8% and load factor was up by 1,2 p.u. Blue 1 in Finland developed very well with an increase in number of passengers of 25,4% and improved load factor by 8,0 p.u.
Traffic and load factor trends continued to improve in May. Yields in general are expected to continue to be stable, but will be slightly negatively affected by more low fare tickets on key domestic markets. Yield for April was up 14% vs 2004, impacted by the Easter holiday. Combined yield for March/ April show an increase of 4%. Yields for May are expected to be positive vs last year. Yields going forward are positively affected by new price initiatives designed to offset the increased jet fuel costs. Due to the situation with continued overcapacity and the competitive situation with price pressure in many markets, the overall outlook remains cautious. Scandinavian Airlines Businesses - Scandinavian Airlines traffic (RPK) decreased by 2,9% in May 2005 compared with 2004. - Scandinavian Airlines passenger load factor increased by 1,3 p.u. to 67,9%. - Load factor on Swedish domestic increased by 7,2 p.u. to 70,0%
Intercontinental passenger load factor was down 3,2 p.u. to 78,0%, mainly due to overcapacity on certain Asian destinations. Traffic on the European routes was down primarily due to capacity reductions initiated under Capacity & Utilization focus. Intrascandinavian traffic decreased fairly in line with capacity adjustments.
For further information Please contact VP,Head of SAS Group Investor Relations Sture Stoelen + 46 8 797 1451 sture.stolen@sas.se Homepage: www.sasgroup.net
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