British Airways said falling passenger numbers have stabilised despite a 5% reduction in traffic year-on-year in June. The fall was in line with the previous three months.
BA’s monthly revenue fell 3.8% in June, suggesting heavy discounts and special offers had not eaten into average fare levels.
The airline described market conditions as “very challenging”, but said in a statement: “Premium and non-premium volumes have been stable for more than three months.”
BA has continued to reduce capacity, making 3.5% fewer seats available this summer than last year and 5% fewer for this winter than a year ago. The carrier will ground three aircraft next summer and an additional three Boeing 747s in winter 2010.
BA has also delayed delivery of new aircraft, including six Airbus A380 superjumbos, by up to two years.
Chief executive Willie Walsh plans to cut 3,700 full-time jobs – about one in 11 staff – and called in arbitration service ACAS to broker agreements with unions representing cabin crew, baggage handlers and admin staff after talks broke down on June 30.
The result of a pilots’ ballot on a package proposing cutting pay is due on July 13.
In a statement, the airline said; “Market conditions continue to be very challenging with trading at levels well below last year. However both premium and non-premium volumes and seat factors have now been stable for more than three months.”
A number of British Airways employees have signed up to work for nothing as part of the airline’s “fight for survival”.