LONDON – On June 8, the Scandinavian-based carrier, SAS, released its latest traffic figures for the month of May 2022.

The Figures…

In total, during May 2022, SAS carried more than 1.8 million passengers. This is a staggering 350% increase compared to May 2021’s figures.

On top of this, to complement the heavy increase in passenger numbers with the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions beginning to slowly ease worldwide, SAS had increased its overall capacity by 200% compared to May 2021.

Coupled with this, SAS’ load factor for May 2022 sat at 71% which is a 35% increase compared to the same period last year.

When comparing both of these numbers to April 2022’s traffic figures, passenger volumes are up by 18% and capacity is also up by 13%.

For SAS’ scheduled services, their ASK (Available Seat Kilometers) for May 2022 stood at 3,071 million, which is an increase of 184.8% compared to May 2021.

Their RPK (Revenue Passenger Kilometers) stood at 2,163 million for May 2022, an increase of a massive 455.6% compared to May 2021.

For SAS’ charter services, their ASK for May 2022 stood at 160 million, an increase of 48,480.4% compared to May 2021, as well as their RPK standing at 143 million, a 173,758.5% increase from May 2021.

Their charter services had an overall load factor of 89.4% in May 2022, an increase of 64.4% compared to May 2021 as well as their passenger count for charters stood at 56,000, again, yet another increase of 47.949.1% compared to May 2021.

In terms of its geographical outreach, SAS saw its biggest increases in intercontinental traffic compared to European or Domestic services. These are as follows –

• Intercontinental Services
  • RPK = 1,263%
• European Services
  • RPK = 526.6%
• Domestic Services
  • RPK = 146.9%

Anko van der Werff, President and Chief Executive Officer at SAS has commented on their May 2022 figures, saying, “Our ramp-up continues and I am happy to share we have now also started flying to and from Toronto. Overall ticket sales are positive as we are approaching the summer peak period.”

“However, the whole aviation ecosystem is currently faced with challenges, and to minimize the operational risk for summer SAS has made pro-active adjustments to its traffic program.

Meanwhile, the crucial work on the necessary transformation of SAS continues.”

Overall…

On a broader scale, these figures are definitely shining a bright light for SAS and with the summer peak still yet to hit, the remainder of the summer season for them is certainly set to be a strong one.

With the addition of Toronto which began back in early June operated by their new Airbus A321LR (Long Range) aircraft, SAS is set for a profitable 2022 FY.

SAS currently has already taken delivery of its three expected Airbus A321LR aircraft, registered as, SE-DMO, SE-DMR, and SE-DMS.

In addition to their new A321LRs that are bolstering their long-haul network, SAS also has six Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with a backlog of a further two more due for a total of eight of the Airbus widebody type.