5th Apr 2005 14:15
British Airways PLC05 April 2005 TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY STATISTICS - March 2005 Summary of the headline figures In March 2005, passenger capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres, was2.2 per cent above March 2004. Traffic, measured in Revenue PassengerKilometres, was higher by 4.5 per cent. This resulted in a passenger loadfactor up 1.7 points versus last year, to 75.7 per cent. The increase intraffic comprised a 1.7 per cent increase in premium traffic and a 5.0 per centincrease in non-premium traffic. Cargo, measured in Cargo Tonne Kilometres,rose by 1.4 per cent. Overall load factor rose by 0.4 points to 70.7 per cent. For the January to March quarter, ASKs rose by 1.4 per cent, with RPKs rising by4.7 per cent. This resulted in an increase in passenger load factor of 2.3points, to 73.0 per cent. This comprised a 6.4 per cent increase in premiumtraffic and a 4.4 per cent increase in non-premium traffic. CTKs rose by 2.8per cent. Market conditions Market conditions remain broadly unchanged. For the year to March 2005, thetotal revenue outlook continues to be for a 3.0-3.5 per cent improvement. Allmarket segments remain price sensitive and yield declines are expected tocontinue. Costs As a result of yen depreciation against sterling, there will be a non-cashaccounting credit of £8 million in the fourth quarter financial results. Strategic Developments Willie Walsh was announced as British Airways' new chief executive officer.Previously CEO of Aer Lingus, he begins as chief executive designate on May 3.Rod Eddington will retire at the end of September at which stage Mr Walsh willbecome chief executive. British Airways announced its 2005 summer timetable. The airline will operatean average of 631 daily flights this summer between Britain and the Continent,well in excess of any other operator. In addition, it will schedule an averageof 372 daily flights within the UK and across the Irish Sea, covering 60 routesand an average of 179 intercontinental flights a day, to 93 destinations. British Airways increased its fuel surcharge on all flights from Monday, March28 as a result of continuing record oil prices. The longhaul fuel surchargerose from £10 per sector to £16 per sector (£32 return trip) and on shorthaulfrom £4 per sector to £6 (£12 a return trip). At the Aviation and Environment summit in Geneva, British Airways' chiefexecutive Rod Eddington urged the global aviation industry to work together toreduce its impact on climate change or face the risk of additional taxation. Theairline is currently trading emissions in a voluntary British government schemeand supports the inclusion of aviation into the European Union's emissionstrading scheme from 2008. British Airways' passengers can now check-in for their flights online 24 hoursbefore departure, enabling them to choose their seat and, on selected routes,print their own boarding cards. Previously only members of the British AirwaysExecutive Club were able to use this facility 24 hours prior to departure.Online check-in is now available on over 95 per cent of the airline's routes. BRITISH AIRWAYS MONTHLY TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY STATISTICS Month of March Financial year April through to MarchBRITISH AIRWAYS Change ChangeSCHEDULED SERVICES 2005 2004 (%) 2005 2004 (%)Passengers carried (000)UK/Europe 1935 1933 +0.1 23491 23604 -0.5Americas 615 621 -0.9 7227 7096 +1.8Asia Pacific 152 138 +9.8 1683 1482 +13.5Africa and Middle East 280 256 +9.5 3122 2835 +10.1Total 2981 2948 +1.1 35523 35017 +1.4 Revenue passenger km (m)UK/Europe 1725 1624 +6.2 21010 20139 +4.3Americas 4127 4142 -0.4 48368 47414 +2.0Asia Pacific 1582 1435 +10.2 17333 15642 +10.8Africa and Middle East 1890 1720 +9.9 20938 19013 +10.1Total 9324 8921 +4.5 107649 102207 +5.3 Available seat km (m)UK/Europe 2616 2525 +3.6 30995 30121 +2.9Americas 5255 5303 -0.9 62227 62720 -0.8Asia Pacific 1988 1881 +5.7 23261 21372 +8.8Africa and Middle East 2463 2343 +5.1 27404 25715 +6.6Total 12323 12052 +2.2 143888 139928 +2.8 Passenger load factor (%)UK/Europe 65.9 64.3 +1.6 pts 67.8 66.9 +0.9 ptsAmericas 78.5 78.1 +0.4 pts 77.7 75.6 +2.1 ptsAsia Pacific 79.6 76.3 +3.3 pts 74.5 73.2 +1.3 ptsAfrica and Middle East 76.7 73.4 +3.3 pts 76.4 73.9 +2.5 ptsTotal 75.7 74.0 +1.7 pts 74.8 73.0 +1.8 pts Revenue tonne km (RTK) (m)Cargo tonne km (CTK) 442 436 +1.4 4951 4464 +10.9Total RTK 1369 1322 +3.6 15704 14689 +6.9Available tonne km (m) 1935 1880 +2.9 22528 21707 +3.8 Overall load factor (%) 70.7 70.3 +0.4 pts 69.7 67.7 +2.0 pts Certain statements included in this statement may be forward-looking and mayinvolve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differmaterially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections relating toresults of operations and financial conditions and the company's plans andobjectives for future operations, including, without limitation, discussions ofthe company's business and financing plans, expected future revenues andexpenditures and divestments. All forward-looking statements in this report arebased upon information known to the company on the date of this report. Thecompany undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise anyforward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future eventsor otherwise. It is not reasonably possible to itemise all of the many factors and specificevents that could cause the company's forward-looking statements to be incorrector that could otherwise have a material adverse effect on the future operationsor results of an airline operating in the global economy. Investor Relations Waterside (HCB3) PO Box 365 Harmondsworth UB7 OGB Tel: +44 (0) 20 8738 6947 Fax: +44( 0) 20 8738 9602 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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