The SAS Group Traffic figures - September

The SAS Group Traffic figures September 2003 The SAS Group · Total passenger traffic (RPK) increased by 1,6% vs 2002. · The SAS Group transported a total of 2,9 million passengers in September 2003 vs 3,1 million in 2002, a decrease of 4,9%. · Overall group passenger load factor decreased by 2,1 p.u to 67,3% for September 2003 vs. 2002. Market trends and yield development The traffic development in September showed an increase, but continued pressure on passenger yields. Overall passenger load factor decreased 2,1 p.u. and passenger traffic increased by 1,6% during September. Braathens traffic increased in September driven by the positive development on international routes. Spanair's traffic improved in September with load factors up 1,1 p.u. vs. 2002. Additional pressure on yields was expected for August and the outcome showed yields down 15% month by month and 12% for the period Jan- Aug. August was caracterized by a significant number of low fare campaigns in Europe. Indications of passenger yield development for Scandinavian Airlines in September show a continued pressure, but slightly less than August. Yields on the European routes were down 18% in August (European yields are also affected by the introduction of the new low fare initiative Snowflake with 9-10 p.u. effect on European yields). A record amount of low- fare tickets were sold during the summer period. More than 130.000 round trip tickets of SEK 1200 or less were flown during August. This trend is expected to continue as Scandinavian Airlines proactively lower prices in light of increased competition. The overall yield development in August and indications for September shows continued pressure on yields for the coming months, but load factors and traffic development is set to improve. Forceful cost measures are under implementation to secure a sustained profitability level in a lower yield environment. Due to the situation with continued yield pressure, the outlook remains cautious. For further information Please contact Head of SAS Group Investor Relations Sture Stølen + 46 8 797 1451 sture.stolen@sas.se Homepage: www.sasgroup.net ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/10/08/20031008BIT00230/wkr0001.doc The full report http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/10/08/20031008BIT00230/wkr0002.pdf The full report