In the month of November 331,000 passengers flew with SAS, a decline by 86% year over year and 45% compared to the previous month. At the same time, SAS reduced its capacity by 75% compared to last year and by 20% compared to October.
The load factor came in at 25.3%, down some 45 percentage points (p.p) compared to last year and 13 p.p. compared to October. The decline in number of passengers and load factor was driven by the accelerated number of reported COVID-19 cases across Europe, resulting in renewed travel restrictions followed by a significant drop in demand, also for domestic travel. In addition, we have noted an increased number of no-show passengers in November, impacting the load factor negatively versus the previous month. Furthermore, as we have gradually reduced our European and Scandinavian capacity, intercontinental traffic sustained by cargo revenues, have a larger proportional share of the reported load factor, and thus impacting comparison with the previous month negatively.
“The sharp increase in the number COVID-19 cases, reintroduced travel restrictions and recommendations for social distancing, instantly impacted overall demand and willingness to travel. Even though SAS quickly responded by reducing offered capacity, unavoidable lead time from implemented crew rosters and adherence to local furlough schemes, unfortunately, created some unbalance between capacity and demand during the month. However, entering into December, we have made further adjustments to adapt our capacity with available demand for Scandinavian connectivity” says Rickard Gustafson, CEO SAS.
