Comparisons of September 2002 traffic and capacity statistics with September 2001 must take into account the impact of the terrorist attacks and the closure of US airspace for four days.

In September 2002, overall load factor improved by 9.7 points to 69.9 per cent. Passenger capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres, was 5.9 per cent below September 2001 while traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres, rose by 4.5 per cent.

This resulted in a passenger load factor improvement of 7.6 points versus last year, to 76.8 per cent. The rise in traffic comprised an 18.1 per cent increase in premium traffic and a 2.4 per cent increase in non-premium traffic. Cargo, measured in Cargo Tonne Kilometres, increased by 38.8 per cent.

For the July-September quarter, ASKs fell by 10.0 per cent, with RPKs falling by 6.9 per cent. This resulted in a passenger load factor of 76.5 per cent, up 2.6 percentage points on the same period last year.

Premium traffic fell by 2.4 per cent, while non-premium traffic fell by 7.5 per cent. Cargo Tonne Kilometres rose by 11.6 per cent. Overall load factor rose by 4.8 points to 69.7 per cent.

The overall market outlook remains unchanged.

As a result of Yen depreciation against sterling, there will be a non-cash accounting credit of £43 million in the second quarter financial results.

British Airways launched the first phase of a new advertising campaign to support its new shorthaul pricing model using the broadest mix of media ever including TV, press, radio, poster, online and new media.

The Republic of Ireland is the latest destination to benefit from the launch of new year-round low fares by British Airways. Prices from London Gatwick to Dublin will start from £69 return including taxes from Thursday 26 September. In line with the low fares already introduced on 170 European routes, the minimum stay and advance purchase booking restrictions have been scrapped.

British Airways emerged as the most successful airline at the prestigious 2002 Business Traveller Awards, winning a total of seven categories. As well as winning the Best Airline award, the airline also regained top spot in the Best Business Class category ousting Virgin Atlantic and a further five awards for Best Cabin Crew, Best Shorthaul Flights, Best First Class, Best Frequent Flyer Programme and Most Innovative Airline. oneworld was named the Best Airline Alliance.

British Airways announced it will suspend its daily service between Charlotte and London effective Sunday, Oct. 27, 2002, the start of the airline’s winter schedule. The decision was based on commercial reasons and continuation of the service could not be justified in the current economic climate.

The British Airways London Eye welcomed its ten millionth visitor and was formally granted planning permission for at least 25 years following approval from Lambeth Council, the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone and the Secretary of State, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

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