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SAS Traffic Reports: The SAS Group Traffic figures September 2009

Dépèche transmise le 7 octobre 2009 par Business Wire

STOCKHOLM, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News:

SES (STO:SAS)(OSE:SASNOK):

• SAS Group's traffic decreased by 17.7% during September and seat capacity was down 17.7% vs. 2008.
• SAS Group carried 2.2 million passengers in September, down 14.7% vs. 2008.
• Total passenger load factor in September was 70.6%, unchanged versus last year.

Group market trends and yield development

The yield for Scandinavian Airlines in August was down by 8.8 %in line with guidance. For September 2009, the change in yield is also expected to be negative indicating continued yield pressure going forward. In addition, the improvement in passenger load factor did not continue in September. This development will have a negative impact on the 4th quarter result. The SAS Group is currently implementing a new strategic approach – Core SAS - to secure a future profitable SAS. The strategy includes cost reduction initiatives of SEK 4.5 bn as well as a 20% reduction in capacity. The implementation is well on track. An additional SEK 2.0 bn cost savings program was initiated in August 2009. Negotiations with unions with the objective to reduce costs is ongoing. The market continues to be unpredictable and the uncertainty regarding the timing of the recovery is considerable.

SAS Scandinavian Airlines

• Total number of passengers was 1.9 million during September, down by 16.1%.
• The traffic decreased by 18.5% and the capacity was down by 19.1%.
• The September load factor increased by 0.6 p.u. to 71.7 %.

The intercontinental traffic decreased 22.6% and capacity was down by 19.4 %, with traffic down more on USA routes due to discontinuation of the route to Seattle. The intrascandinavian traffic decreased 15.1 %, but load improved as the capacity was reduced by 18.9%. The Norwegian and Swedish domestic traffic decreased by 12.4% and 16.4% respectively.

Widerøe's traffic development

Widerøe carried 184.000 passengers in September, up 0.1%. Capacity was reduced by 0.5% and traffic decreased slightly less resulting in an improvement of the load factor by 0.1 p.u. to 61%. Widerøe has shifted capacity to the domestic market to meet demand.

Blue 1's traffic development

Total number of passengers in September was 128 000, down 11.9% vs September last year. Total capacity increased slightly, but traffic decreased by 8.6%. The passenger load factor decreased by 5.9 p.u. to 59.2%.

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