BRITISH AIRWAYS PLC - SEPTEMBER TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY STATISTICS
03 October 2008Summary of the headline figures
In September 2008, passenger capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres, was 0.8 per cent above September 2007. Traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres, fell by 4.8 per cent. This resulted in a passenger load factor decrease of 4.3 points versus last year, to 74.0 per cent. Traffic comprised an 8.6 per cent decrease in premium traffic and a 4.1 per cent fall in non-premium traffic.
Cargo, measured in Cargo Tonne Kilometres, fell by 3.5 per cent.
Market conditions
Trading conditions continue to be challenging. Longhaul premium traffic has softened after the summer and forward bookings are being affected by the increased anxiety in financial markets and by the uncertain economic outlook. Revenue forecasts for the year carry some risk, although current good yields and the stronger dollar are broadly offsetting the volume impact. Cost initiatives continue in an effort to offset revenue risk. Fuel costs are still expected to be around £3 billion for the year. The target continues to be for the business to break even at the operating level.
Strategic Developments
British Airways completed the second phase of its transfer of longhaul services from Terminal 4 to Terminal 5, increasing the number of flights per day at the terminal from around 420 to 480. Terminal 5 has now looked after ten million customers on more than 75,000 flights. The terminal is working well with very good punctuality and baggage performance.
A dedicated check-in area for business class customers in Terminal 5 was introduced. The dedicated area offers the option of check-in kiosks, fast bag drops and customer service desks. The 'Galleries' lounge in the terminal's satellite B building was also opened.
British Airways is to launch two new routes from London City Airport, to Geneva and Lyon from December 15. This brings the total number of destinations offered from City Airport to 12. In October the airline will increase frequency to Glasgow from four to five flights a day and Frankfurt services from three to four flights daily.
In light of the security situation in Pakistan flights between Heathrow and Islamabad have been suspended indefinitely.
British Airways won best business airline at the Conde Nast Traveller awards. The airline also won best business class, best shorthaul carrier and best frequent flier programme at the Business Traveller Awards.
British Airways flew the ParalympicsGB team home on a dedicated Boeing 747 with a specially painted gold nose following their 102 medal haul at the Beijing games.
British Airways launched a social media platform called Metrotwin.com linking London and New York. BA is the first airline to launch a social media platform of this kind. Metrotwin is an online community that provides expert recommendations by locals for visitors.
www.ba.com
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