British Airways: revenues by 20% lower on Bucharest - London route in 2009

British Airways airline operating in Romanian on Bucharest - London route, estimates revenues between EUR 10 and 15 mil. on the local market this year, declining by over 20% compared to the last year.

The operator reduced its operating frequency during winter schedule, reaching 14 daily flights on Bucharest - London route compared to 21 flights during summer.

The average occupancy on Bucharest - London was 72% this year, considers Emil Delibasev, Commercial Manager of British Airways for Balkan region.

The number of passengers dropped 10% in Romania, following the market’s trend.

Business class tickets contribute by 10-15% to total revenues on short haul flights, such as Bucharest - London, but long haul flights generate 45% of the revenues, being much profitable.

Approximately 40% of the Romanian passengers transported towards London are passengers transiting the airport towards other destinations in USA, Australia or China.

British Airways reported EUR 425 mil. loss worldwide in 2008, compared to the EUR 805 mil. profit the previous year. 

At the same time, the airline announced that employees will go on a strike between December 22 and January 2, decision which impacts 1 mil. passengers who planned to fly in the specified period.

Syndicates and the company’s management have not agreed on the number of dismissed employees and neither on the budget.

Sursa: 9AM [16.12.2009], Daily Business [14.12.2009], Wall-Street [16.12.2009], Ziarul Financiar [14.12.2009]