The SAS Group traffic figures - January 2004

The SAS Group Traffic figures January 2004 Increased traffic and cabin factor in January ·Total passenger traffic (RPK) increased by 1,4% in January 2004 vs 2003. ·The SAS Group transported a total of 2,1 million passengers in January 2004 vs 2,2 million in 2003, a decrease of 3,7%. ·Overall group passenger load factor increased by 0,7 p.u to 56,1% for January 2004 vs. 2003. Market trends and yield development January group traffic volumes developed well with a traffic growth of 1,4% and improved passenger load factor. It must be noted that indications for yields in January show significant additional pressure compared with previous monthts. In general, growth has improved on European and intercontinental routes and positive passenger mix can be noted on Asian routes in January. Domestic and Intrascandinavian markets are still characterized by weak demand and increased competition and this is the main reason for the modest overall group traffic growth. Braathens traffic increased in January driven by the positive development on international routes. Spanair's traffic decreased in January with almost flat load factor. Yields in December were down 15,4% month by month and 12,5% for the period Jan- Dec. Yield development in December was slightly weaker than expected. Price cuts of up to 30% were implemented in Scandinavia as from October 26, 2003 and this pushed yields further as from November by approx. 2-3% vs 2002. Yield indications for Scandinavian Airlines in January is somewhat worrying, but it is still too early to indicate if this is part of a general trend for 2004. 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. The SAS Group will release its 4th Quarter result on February 11 at 08.00 CET. Scandinavian Airlines ·Scandinavian Airlines traffic (RPK) increased by 0,1% in January 2004 compared with 2003. ·Scandinavian Airlines passenger load factor increased by 1,3 p.u. to 59,5% In line with most long haul operators, demand on the long haul routes improved during January. Intercontinental load factors improved by 6,8 p.u. Traffic on the European routes was up 4,3%. Snowflake has its low season now and showed a load factor just above 50%. Intrascandinavian traffic was characterized by slow demand. Norwegian domestic market has improved compared with previous months, while demand on Swedish domestic routes continued to be weak. Internet Sales (December 2003) The proportion of Internet sales on wwww.scandinavian.net was 16,3% in December 2003 compared with app. 6% in ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/02/06/20040206BIT00250/wkr0001.doc The full report http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/02/06/20040206BIT00250/wkr0002.pdf The full report