British Airways released traffic and capacity statistics

Summary of the headline figures

In January 2009, British Airways passenger capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres, was 2.6 per cent below January 2008.  Traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres, fell by 1.3 per cent.  This resulted in a passenger load factor increase of 1.0 points versus last year, to 73.2 per cent.  Traffic comprised a 13.7 per cent decrease in premium traffic and a 1.4 per cent rise in non-premium traffic.

Cargo, measured in Cargo Tonne Kilometres, fell by 16.7 per cent.  

Market conditions

Trading conditions are fully reflected in the interim management statement published today (February 6, 2009).

 

Strategic Developments

British Airways strongly supported the Government’s approval of a third runway at Heathrow.  Heathrow is the national hub airport and Britain cannot succeed in a global economy without the capacity for excellent air links already built by our international competitors.  Heathrow will set new world standards for environmental performance with Government imposed additional, tough environmental safeguards on the way the airport will operate and a new system for rigorous enforcement.

The airline announced a radical new environmental target of halving net CO2 emissions by 2050. The target, the most ambitious set by any airline, means that British Airways will reduce its net carbon output from 16 million tonnes in 2005 to eight million by mid-century.

British Airways announced the introduction of text and mobile services for customers on its new all business class route from London City Airport to New York’s JFK Airport later this year.

British Airways added more discounted fares to its World Offers sale for travel between January and September 2009 with reductions on a range of longhaul destinations including New York, Cape Town and Grand Cayman and shorthaul destinations including Paris, Venice, Milan, Vienna and Prague.  

Cass Titcombe, the chef and co-founder of London restaurant ‘Canteen’ joined the British Airways Taste Team. He joins other members of the BA Taste Team including Michel Roux, Liam Tomlin, Shaun Hill and Vineet Bhatia.

Source: Transportweekly