euro adhoc: Austrian Airlines AG
other
Austrian Airlines Group
transports 9.4 million passengers - almost one million more than in
2003
Disclosure announcement transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer is responsible for the content of this announcement.
20.01.2005
Vagn Soerensen comments on the final Traffic Statistics of the Austrian Airlines Group for 2004 - and the measures being taken to stimulate demand further still
As the year-end Traffic Statistics of the Austrian Airlines Group for 2004 are published, Vagn Soerensen, Chief Executive Officer of the Group, offered the following analysis: The dedicated Focus East expansion of the Austrian Airlines Group into Central and Eastern Europe, Asia and the Pacific region has contributed to the strong Traffic Statistics over the last year, just as the redticket - return flight inclusive campaigns have done throughout Europe. Overall, we succeeded in transporting around 9.4 million passengers in 2004, which translates into a rise of almost one million, or 10.9 %. While production on scheduled flights measured in seat kilometers rose by 19.1 %, we managed to increase revenue passenger kilometers by 20.5 %, thereby improving the passenger load factor further still to 72.2 %. Thats a new record result for the Austrian Airlines Group, though our load factors towards the end of the year did remain below expectations.
Rates of growth were approximately the same for the scheduled and charter segments, proof that - despite strong competition - the Austrian Airlines Group had adapted successfully to market conditions in both areas with its product range of flights from Austrian, Austrian arrows and Lauda Air. In 2005, the Focus East strategy of orientation towards Central and Eastern Europe and Asia will continue - without in any way neglecting the other traffic regions - in the shape of additional flights and new destinations. On 1 May 2005, the city of Mumbai (Bombay) will become another Indian destination to be newly incorporated into the long-haul scheduled programme. This move will further strengthen both the Austrian Airlines Group hub at Vienna Airport and Austria itself as an economic location.
Due to the weaker traffic trend of the past two months and reduced average load factors, the Austrian Airlines Group is immediately implementing a number of other measures. The support of passenger charges for Austrian transfer traffic via Vienna, which was introduced on 17 January 2004, and the reduction in fuel surcharges due to the slight relaxation in the kerosene price situation are both market-led initiatives designed to stimulate higher demand.
For the financial year 2005, the Austrian Airlines Group is forecasting traffic growth of up to 8 % compared to 2004 as measured in ASK (available seat kilometers). As reported at the time of the target correction announced in the fourth quarter, the Austrian Airlines Group will strive to improve its adapted EBIT in 2005 compared to 2004.
end of announcement euro adhoc 20.01.2005 07:33:39
Further inquiry note:
Konzernkommunikation:
Johannes Davoras
Johann Jurceka
Tel.: 051766-1231
Investor Relations
Dr. Prisca Havranek-Kosicek
Tel.: 051766 - 3642
Branche: Air Transport
ISIN: AT0000620158
WKN: 062015
Index: WBI, ATX Prime, ATX
Börsen: Wiener Börse AG / official dealing