The firm reported that its planes were 78% full during the month, up around 24% from last year's figures
SAS, Scandinavia’s leading airline, with main hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm, flies to destinations in Europe, USA and Asia. The carrier has a rich Scandinavian heritage however is in the grip of a financial crisis which has seen it file for chapter11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. and is trying to cut costs dramatically in order to continue in its current form.
Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS said: "We are pleased to see passenger numbers increasing again in September, to the highest numbers seen since the outbreak of the pandemic."
Part of the SAS cost-cutting programme has seen it make deals with 10 aircraft leasing firms to amend the terms and costs of leases on 36 aircraft. The airline says these deals will save it around SEK 1 billion a year, although they are subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. SAS is looking to save around SEK7.5 billion a year as part of its SAS FORWARD campaign and expects to do more deals with leasing companies on its remaining aircraft.
Anko van der Werff said "We continue making SAS a financially stable airline as the transformation plan SAS FORWARD progresses. During the month we have been able to reach agreements on a large number of aircraft and equipment lease agreements, and we are grateful to those lessors who are working constructively with us. We are continuing to pursue additional lease amendments to achieve our targets."
