BA Releases February Traffic Statistics
British Airways | Mar. 05, 2007
Summary of Headline Figures
In February 2007, passenger capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres, was 0.9 per cent above February 2006. Traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres, was lower by 4.2 per cent. This resulted in a passenger load factor down 3.7 points versus last year, to 67.5 per cent. The decrease in traffic comprised a 6.3 per cent decrease in premium traffic and a 3.8 per cent decrease in non-premium traffic. Cargo, measured in Cargo Tonne Kilometres, decreased by 10.9 per cent. Overall load factor fell by 2.6 points to 64.7 per cent.
Strike dates were announced in January covering six days in the first two weeks of February. During these days we closed our systems to new bookings. As premium travel is predominantly booked two to three weeks pre-departure, premium bookings during this period were significantly impacted.
Market Conditions
Market conditions are broadly unchanged.
Strategic Developments
British Airways took the first step towards expanding its longhaul fleet by ordering four Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft for delivery during early 2009, with options on four Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft for delivery in 2010.
British Airways and the trustees of the New Airways Pension Scheme (NAPS) formally agreed a ten year funding plan to tackle the 2.1 billion pounds deficit in the scheme. The plan, which was agreed in principle with the trustees last year, includes annual company contributions of some 280 million pounds, a one-off cash injection of 800 million pounds and benefit changes to take effect from April 1. It also includes an additional 150 million pounds in cash over the next three years, subject to the airline's financial performance. The benefit changes deliver an immediate deficit reduction of some 400 million pounds and a saving of some 80 million pounds a year.
The airline launched Easter breaks with up to 45 per cent off British Airways business class (Club World) fares to 28 holiday destinations if booked before March 8, 2007. These included return fares from London to New York starting from 1,349 pounds (saving up to 983 pounds), 1,349 pounds to Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington (saving up to 1,083 pounds each) and 1749 pounds to Seattle (saving up to 1,412 pounds). Los Angeles and San Francisco are available from 1,649 pounds (saving up to 1,337 pounds each).