The SAS Group Traffic figures - March 2004

The SAS Group Traffic figures March 2004 Traffic continues to improve · Total passenger traffic (RPK) increased by 10,0% in March 2004 vs 2003. · The SAS Group transported a total of 2,8 million passengers in March 2004 vs 2,6 million in 2003, an increase of 7,9%. · Overall group passenger load factor improved by 0,9 p.u to 62,3% for March 2004 vs. 2003. · Yields for Scandinavian Airlines in February were down 16,8% month by month. Market trends and yield development March group total traffic volumes developed positively with a traffic growth of 10,0% and improved passenger load factor. On the contrary, yields are currently very weak and the yield for Scandinavian Airlines for February was down 16,8%. Indications for yields in March shows continued strong pressure, but yield pressure is expected to be less than experienced in February. In general, growth has improved significantly on European and intercontinental routes. In March even Intrascandinavian traffic improved in a market characterized by weak demand and increased competition. Scandinavian Airlines was Scandinavia's largest provider of low fare tickets in 2003 and this will continue further in 2004 as Turnaournd 2005 forms a platform for profitable growth. Spanair's traffic increased in March by 14,4%, but with reduced load factor. Braathens' traffic increased 20,5% in March driven by strong development on international routes. Yields in January and February have been very weak as indicated in the previous traffic reports this year and this will have a significant effect on the revenues for first quarter. Yield indications for Scandinavian Airlines in March show continued strong pressure, but the decrease is expected to be less than for the first two months. The restructuring plan "Turnaround 2005", is proceeding according to plan in order to secure a sustained profitability level in a lower yield environment. Last month negotiations were completed to secure the remaining SEK 2 billion of Turnaround 2005. Improvements in general demand and good traffic growth can be noted but due to the situation with continued yield pressure, the outlook remains cautious. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/04/13/20040413BIT00130/wkr0001.doc The full report http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/04/13/20040413BIT00130/wkr0002.pdf The full report