TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY STATISTICS – May 2008
Summary of the headline figures
In May 2008, passenger capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres, was 1.3 per cent above May 2007. Traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres, fell by 0.7 per cent. This resulted in a passenger load factor decrease of 1.5 points versus last year, to 71.8 per cent. Traffic comprised a 0.9 per cent decrease in premium traffic and a 0.6 per cent fall in non-premium traffic.
Cargo, measured in Cargo Tonne Kilometres, rose by 2.7 per cent.
Market conditions As reported at full year results, longhaul premium traffic is slightly ahead of last year. Shorthaul premium markets remain weak. Longhaul non-premium traffic also remains weak.
Strategic Developments
British Airways announced it was to increase its fuel surcharge on all tickets issued from Tuesday June 3.
British Airways confirmed its plans for the transfer of longhaul services from Terminal 4 into Terminal 5. The first eight longhaul routes to move from Terminal 4 will transfer tomorrow, June 5. The remaining services to operate from Terminal 5 will move in two stages, on Wednesday September 17, 2008 and at the end of October 2008.
BALPA, the British Airline Pilots’ Association withdrew their court action against British Airways over the launch the OpenSkies subsidiary. BALPA gave undertakings to the court not to pursue any future ballot for industrial action on the same issue.
Tickets for premium flights between Paris and New York on OpenSkies went on sale on May 22nd on www.flyopenskies.com. The new transatlantic airline from British Airways will take flight on June 19th. Bookings can also be made through travel agents, all British Airways channels including the BA.com website, and via the OpenSkies Concierge Desk - featuring personalised services available to all customers commencing with the purchase of their ticket and throughout their journey.
Airbus announced it was confirming a British Airways order for two A318 aircraft. They will be used on BA’s new London City - New York services which will start in 2009.
June 4, 2008