Just posted on BA's Investor Relations website:
RNS Number : 0249N
British Airways PLC
03 June 2010
TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY STATISTICS - May 2010
Summary of the headline figures
The last 14 days of the month were affected by industrial activity by the Unite union representing cabin crew. Despite this, in May 2010 traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres, fell by only 11.5 per cent. Passenger capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres, was down 4.7 per cent on May 2009; the strikes accounted for some 6 per cent reduction in capacity. This resulted in a passenger load factor decrease of 5.4 points versus last year, to 69.7 per cent. Traffic comprised a 6.5 per cent decrease in premium traffic and a 12.5 per cent decrease in non-premium traffic.
The financial impact of the strike continues at some £7 million per day. During the final strike period we have planned for an increased flying programme as more crew ignore the strike and report for duty. We have announced that we are planning to fly about 80 per cent of our longhaul programme including all JFK services and also all South African flights as we approach the World Cup.
The total cost of the strike period can only be assessed at the end of the disruption and will reflect lost bookings and reduced travel volumes offset by some volume driven cost savings.
Cargo, measured in Cargo Tonne Kilometres, rose by 7.1 per cent.
Market conditions
Market conditions continue to show improvement.
Strategic Developments
British Airways' two subsidiary airlines launched new routes this month. BA CityFlyer has started services to Ibiza and Mallorca from London City Airport, which will operate up to four and five times a week respectively. OpenSkies has opened a new route between Paris Orly and Washington D.C. which will operate five times a week.
British Airways continued its campaign as the official airline of the England 2018 World Cup Bid by flying the England 2018 bid team to FIFA's headquarters in Zurich. The value in kind partnership will allow the England 2018 bid team to fly around the globe to meet with key figures in world football as they seek to earn the right to stage the tournament in England.
June 3, 2010