The SAS Group Traffic figures - December 2003

The SAS Group Traffic figures December 2003 The SAS Group ·Total passenger traffic (RPK) decreased by 0,3% in December vs 2002. ·The SAS Group transported a total of 2,1 million passengers in December 2003 vs 2,3 million in 2002, a decrease of 4,7%. ·Overall group passenger load factor decreased by 0,1 p.u to 60,4% for December 2003 vs. 2002. Market trends and yield development The traffic development in December was in line with previous months with reduced passenger yields across most airlines in the Group. Overall passenger load factor was unchanged and passenger traffic decreased by 0,3% during December. In general, growth has improved slightly on European and intercontinental routes and positive mix can be noted on Asian routes. Domestic and Intrascandinavian markets are still characterized by weak demand and increased competition and this is the main explanaition for the unchanged overall group traffic. Braathens traffic increased in December driven by the positive development on international routes. Spanair's traffic increased in December with improved load and improved yields. Yields in November were down 10,5% month by month and 12,3% for the period Jan- Nov. Yields on the European routes were down approx 12% in November. The overall yield development in November showed continued pressure on yields. Price cuts were implemented in Scandinavia as from October 26 and this has pushed yields further as from November by approx. 2-3% vs 2002. The restructuring plan "Turnaround 2005", is proceeding according to plan in order to secure a sustained profitability level in a lower yield environment. Some improvements in general demand can be noted but due to the situation with continued yield pressure, the outlook remains cautious. Scandinavian Airlines ·Scandinavian Airlines traffic (RPK) decreased by 2,6% in December 2003 compared with 2002. ·Scandinavian Airlines passenger load factor increased by 0,5 p.u. to 64,0% In line with other industry players, demand on the long haul routes improved during December. Intercontinental load factors improved by 5,7 p.u. Positive mix was noted on Asian routes with Business Class up 3% Traffic on the European routes was flat. Snowflake has its low season now and showed a load factor around 45%. Intrascandinavian traffic was characterized by slow demand. Norwegian domestic market has improved compared with previous months, while demand on Swedish domestic routes has weakened significantly. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/01/12/20040112BIT00540/wkr0001.doc The full Traffic report http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/01/12/20040112BIT00540/wkr0002.pdf The full Traffic report