September traffic statistics

British Airways PLC 04 October 2006 TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY STATISTICS - September 2006 Summary of the headline figures In September 2006, passenger capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres, was 2.5 per cent above September 2005. Traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres, was higher by 1.5 per cent. This resulted in a passenger load factor down 0.8 points versus last year, to 78.8 per cent. The increase in traffic comprised a 1.5 per cent increase in premium traffic and a 1.5 per cent increase in non-premium traffic. Cargo, measured in Cargo Tonne Kilometres, decreased by 5.2 per cent. Overall load factor increased by 0.8 points to 73 per cent. For the July to September quarter, ASKs rose by 3.5 per cent, with RPKs rising by 3.6 per cent. This resulted in an increase in passenger load factor of 0.1 points, to 79.7 per cent. This comprised a 6.5 per cent increase in premium traffic and a 3.1 per cent increase in non-premium traffic. CTKs fell by 1.1 per cent. Market conditions Market conditions continue to be good, and most segments of the business are recovering well from the events of August. However, as expected, September transfer traffic volumes, in particular in the premium cabins, were affected by carry on baggage restrictions. Volume in premium shorthaul also continues to be soft for the same reason. The reintroduction of standard carry on bag sizes agreed at the end of the month, and harmonization of rules on liquids planned for the end of October are expected to support the gradual recovery of these segments of the business. As a result of the volume shortfall total revenue is now expected to grow at 5-6% for the financial year, down from 6-7%. Costs After the recent major falls in the fuel price the cost of fuel is now expected to be some £450 million higher than last year, down from our previous forecast of £550-600 million. Strategic Developments The airline announced that the actuarial deficit in its New Airways Pension Scheme (NAPS) is set to rise from £928 million to some £2.1 billion, despite a doubling of BA's contributions and a recovery of the stock market. The trustees confirmed that annual contributions at the unsustainable level of £497 million would be needed to fund the scheme unless changes to future benefits proposed earlier this year are introduced. This means the company's contributions would go up from five to 12 times members' contributions. Negotiations between British Airways and the trustees are now underway to agree a funding plan including proposed benefit changes. Consultation continues with the trades unions. British Airways urged the Civil Aviation Authority to cut the profits BAA receives from its asset base to ensure that the airport operator builds cost-effective facilities that generate additional airport capacity. The CAA is currently consulting on the level of user charges at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports for a five year period from April 2008, in its role as an economic regulator. During the current charging period between April 2003 and March 2008, BAA receives a 7.75 per cent return on it asset base. British Airways said this should be set at around 5.6 per cent in the next charging period, a reduction of almost one third. It was announced that James A Lawrence will be joining the board as a non-executive director with effect from 1 November, 2006. He is currently vice chairman and chief financial officer of General Mills Inc. one of the largest food companies in North America. His range of experience covers strategic consultancy, leading US multi-nationals in consumer products and the US airline industry. ends October 4, 2006 102/KG/06 BRITISH AIRWAYS MONTHLY TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY STATISTICS Month of September Financial year April through to Sep BRITISH AIRWAYS Change Change SCHEDULED SERVICES 2006 2005 (%) 2006 2005 (%) Passengers carried (000) UK/Europe 2156 2132 +1.1 12701 12566 +1.1 Americas 639 648 -1.3 4068 3910 +4.0 Asia Pacific 166 173 -4.1 965 938 +2.9 Africa and Middle East 285 257 +11.0 1704 1466 +16.3 Total 3246 3210 +1.1 19439 18880 +3.0 Revenue passenger km (m) UK/Europe 2070 2005 +3.2 12128 11797 +2.8 Americas 4316 4354 -0.9 27418 26252 +4.4 Asia Pacific 1701 1776 -4.2 9817 9642 +1.8 Africa and Middle East 1910 1714 +11.4 11331 9805 +15.6 Total 9997 9850 +1.5 60694 57496 +5.6 Available seat km (m) UK/Europe 2652 2738 -3.1 16039 16515 -2.9 Americas 5599 5342 +4.8 33824 32193 +5.1 Asia Pacific 2030 2169 -6.4 12344 12611 -2.1 Africa and Middle East 2403 2122 +13.2 14642 12727 +15.0 Total 12683 12372 +2.5 76849 74047 +3.8 Passenger load factor (%) UK/Europe 78.0 73.2 +4.8 pts 75.6 71.4 +4.2 pts Americas 77.1 81.5 -4.4 pts 81.1 81.5 -0.4 pts Asia Pacific 83.8 81.9 +1.9 pts 79.5 76.5 +3.0 pts Africa and Middle East 79.5 80.8 -1.3 pts 77.4 77.0 +0.4 pts Total 78.8 79.6 -0.8 pts 79.0 77.6 +1.4 pts Revenue tonne km (RTK) (m) Cargo tonne km (CTK) 392 414 -5.2 2401 2370 +1.3 Total RTK 1417 1397 +1.4 8507 8105 +5.0 Available tonne km (m) 1941 1934 +0.4 11850 11557 +2.5 Overall load factor (%) 73.0 72.2 +0.8 pts 71.8 70.1 +1.7 pts Certain statements included in this statement may be forward-looking and may involve 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 business and financing plans, expected future revenues and 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. Investor Relations Waterside (HCB3) PO Box 365 Harmondsworth UB7 OGB Tel: +44 (0) 20 8738 694 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange MGGFDRGVZM

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