Traffic and capacity - March

British Airways PLC 05 April 2004 TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY STATISTICS - March 2004 Summary of the headline figures Comparisons of March 2004 traffic and capacity statistics with March 2003 must take into account the weak base due to the impact of the war with Iraq and SARS. In March 2004, passenger capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres, was 5.8 per cent above March 2003 and traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres, was higher by 12.7 per cent. This resulted in a passenger load factor up 4.5 points versus last year, to 74.0 per cent. The increase in traffic comprised a 23.6 per cent increase in premium traffic and a 10.9 per cent increase in non-premium traffic. Cargo, measured in Cargo Tonne Kilometres, rose by 21.8 per cent. Overall load factor rose 4.6 points to 70.3 per cent. For the January - March quarter, ASKs increased by 6.4 per cent, with RPKs rising by 7.8 per cent. This resulted in an increase in passenger load factor of 0.9 points, to 70.7 points. This comprised a 11.4 per cent increase in premium traffic and 7.2 per cent increase in non-premium traffic. CTKs rose by 21.3 per cent. Market conditions Market conditions are unchanged. Longhaul premium volumes continue above last year's levels, and shorthaul premium remains weak. Non-premium traffic volumes remain very sensitive to yield. In 2003, March and April were the months worst affected by the war in Iraq and SARS. Premium traffic was down about 25% in both months. The major effect of war and SARS did not continue beyond the summer. Costs As a result of Yen depreciation against sterling, there will be a non-cash accounting credit of £2 million in the fourth quarter financial results. Strategic Developments British Airways launched the second and final phase of its Heathrow flight switch programme. From March 28, seven shorthaul services transferred from Heathrow Terminal 1 to Terminal 4: Brussels, Copenhagen, Geneva, Lyon, Oslo, Vienna and Zurich. Moving the other way, from Heathrow Terminal 4 to Terminal 1, were Athens, Hong Kong, Moscow (Domodedovo), Los Angeles and San Francisco. The switching of carefully selected flights at Heathrow make it more convenient for many of the airline's transfer passengers to connect between longhaul and shorthaul flights without changing terminals at the airport. To support the additional longhaul services at Terminal 1, British Airways has invested in a range of new facilities for its customers, including a new dedicated check-in zone for premium passengers and new arrivals and departure lounges. British Airways' customers are now able to manage their own travel plans at every stage of their journey from the comfort of their own computer. The latest part of the new system to be launched on ba.com enables customers to request their own seats and special meals after they have booked a flight via their very own unique webpage. ends April 5, 2004 KG/028/04 BRITISH AIRWAYS MONTHLY TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY STATISTICS Month of March Financial year April through March BRITISH AIRWAYS GROUP Change Change SCHEDULED SERVICES 2004 2003 (%) 2004 2003 (%) Passengers carried (000) UK/Europe 1933 1900 +1.8 24331 24550 -0.9 Americas 621 548 +13.2 7096 6672 +6.4 Asia Pacific 138 120 +15.0 1482 1552 -4.5 Africa and Middle East 256 199 +28.1 2835 2568 +10.4 Total 2948 2768 +6.5 35744 35341 +1.1 Revenue passenger km (m) UK/Europe 1686 1492 +13.0 21156 19762 +7.1 Americas 4080 3731 +9.4 46777 45048 +3.8 Asia Pacific 1435 1251 +14.8 15642 15895 -1.6 Africa and Middle East 1720 1444 +19.1 19013 17471 +8.8 Total 8921 7918 +12.7 102588 98177 +4.5 Available seat km (m) UK/Europe 2593 2401 +8.0 31618 29509 +7.1 Americas 5235 5156 +1.5 61932 61528 +0.7 Asia Pacific 1881 1739 +8.2 21372 20659 +3.5 Africa and Middle East 2343 2100 +11.6 25715 24603 +4.5 Total 12052 11396 +5.8 140637 136299 +3.2 Passenger load factor (%) UK/Europe 65.0 62.2 +2.8 pts 66.9 67.0 -0.1 pts Americas 77.9 72.4 +5.5 pts 75.5 73.2 +2.3 pts Asia Pacific 76.3 71.9 +4.4 pts 73.2 76.9 -3.7 pts Africa and Middle East 73.4 68.8 +4.6 pts 73.9 71.0 +2.9 pts Total 74.0 69.5 +4.5 pts 72.9 72.0 +0.9 pts Revenue tonne km (RTK) (m) Cargo tonne km (CTK) 436 358 +21.8 4464 4204 +6.2 Total RTK 1322 1148 +15.1 14722 14035 +4.9 Available tonne km (m) 1880 1748 +7.5 21783 21012 +3.7 Overall load factor (%) 70.3 65.7 +4.6 pts 67.6 66.8 +0.8 pts * Comparative numbers from 1 July 2002 have been adjusted to remove the impact of dba following its disposal on 30 June 2003 Certain information included in this statement is forward-looking and involves risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections relating to results of operations and financial conditions and the Company's plans and objectives for future operations, including, without limitation, discussions of the Company's 'Future Size and Shape' programme, expected future revenues, financing plans and expected expenditures and divestments. All forward-looking statements in this report are based upon information known to the Company on the date of this report. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. It is not reasonably possible to itemise all of the many factors and specific events that could cause the Company's forward looking statements to be incorrect or that could otherwise have a material adverse effect on the future operations or results of an airline operating in the global economy. Information on some factors which could result in material difference to the results is available in the Company's SEC filings, including, without limitation the Company's Report on Form 20-F for the year ended March 2003. Investor Relations Waterside (HCB3) PO Box 365 Harmondsworth UB7 OGB Tel: +44 (0) 20 8738 6947 Fax: +44( 0) 20 8738 9602 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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