FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
FURNISHED PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
05 February 2007
BRITISH AIRWAYS Plc
(Registrant's Name)
Waterside HBA3,
PO Box 365
Harmondsworth UB7 0GB
United Kingdom
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as
permitted by Regulation S-T Rule101(b)(1)
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a
Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security
holders.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as
permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7)
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foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the
jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally
organised (the registrant's "home country"), or under the rules of the home
country exchange on which the registrant's securities are traded, as long as the
report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has
not been distributed to the registrant's security holders, and, if discussing a
material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other
Commission filing on EDGAR.
Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this
Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes No X
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connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):
CONTENTS
1. January traffic statistics
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorised.
BRITISH AIRWAYS Plc
By: /s/_________________________
Name: Alan Buchanan
Title:Company Secretary
Date 05 February 2007
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. Description
1. January traffic statistics
TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY STATISTICS - January 2007
Summary of the headline figures
In January 2007, passenger capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres, was
1.5 per cent above January 2006. Traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger
Kilometres, was lower by 2.8 per cent. This resulted in a passenger load factor
down 3 points versus last year, to 69.5 per cent. The decrease in traffic
comprised a 3.1 per cent decrease in premium traffic and a 2.7 per cent decrease
in non-premium traffic. Cargo, measured in Cargo Tonne Kilometres, decreased by
18.1 per cent. Overall load factor fell by 3.2 points to 64.9 per cent.
This month's statistics were significantly impacted by the threat of industrial
action. Premium volumes suffered the largest reductions as most tickets are
flexible and refundable, and customers are easily able to move to other
carriers. The ballot result in favour of strike action was announced on January
15 and the strike averted on January 29.
Market conditions
The market continues to show good demand in premium cabins. The weakness in some
non-premium segments is also still a feature. The revenue outlook for the fourth
quarter has been impacted by the threat of industrial action by the T&G. While
the strike was averted, the estimated revenue loss is still some GBP80 million.
Revenue guidance for the full year is now 3.25 - 3.75% growth.
Costs
While cost control remains strong, full year costs excluding fuel are expected
to be some GBP50 million higher than last year. This reflects higher costs in
the first quarter. Our full year fuel guidance has been revised down by GBP40
million reflecting the reduction in fuel prices. The fuel bill will now be
accounted for on a continuing operations basis, and is expected to be some
GBP1.95 billion.
Strategic Developments
Following a ballot for industrial action the T&G announced a series of planned
strikes. As a result the airline cancelled 1,300 flights over a 48 hour period.
While the dispute was averted and the schedule reinstated, supported by a seat
sale of 500,000 tickets, the impact on lost bookings and revenue is expected to
be some GBP80 million in the fourth quarter.
The BA Forum, which represents British Airways' unions, issued a statement
recommending acceptance of changes to benefits to tackle the GBP2.1 billion
deficit in the New Airways Pension Scheme (NAPS).
The airline reduced its fuel surcharge on longhaul flights under nine hours by
from GBP35 to GBP30 per sector as a result of a fall in the price of oil.
British Airways announced modifications to its uniform rules to allow staff to
wear a symbol of faith openly. The decision came after a comprehensive review of
the airline's uniform policy and extensive consultation with a wide range of
religious groups including representatives from the Church of England, the
Catholic Church and the Muslim Council of Britain. The new policy was introduced
on February 1, 2007.
The airline announced a new daily service between London Gatwick and Newquay.
The flights will start on Monday March 20, 2007 operating on a Boeing 737.
ends
February 5, 2007
023/KG/07
Note: Traffic statistics will continue to include BA Connect until the
transaction is completed.
BRITISH AIRWAYS MONTHLY TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY STATISTICS
Month of January Financial year
April through to Jan
BRITISH AIRWAYS Change Change
SCHEDULED SERVICES 2007 2006 (%) 2007 2006 (%)
Passengers carried (000)
UK/Europe 1510 1599 -5.6 19673 19601 +0.4
Americas 542 562 -3.5 6301 6243 +0.9
Asia Pacific 145 166 -12.3 1556 1592 -2.3
Africa and Middle East 333 318 +4.9 2979 2612 +14.1
Total 2531 2644 -4.3 30509 30047 +1.5
Revenue passenger km (m)
UK/Europe 1390 1425 -2.5 18608 18113 +2.7
Americas 3686 3795 -2.9 42479 41925 +1.3
Asia Pacific 1499 1727 -13.2 15886 16407 -3.2
Africa and Middle East 2292 2172 +5.6 20062 17654 +13.6
Total 8867 9119 -2.8 97034 94100 +3.1
Available seat km (m)
UK/Europe 2526 2532 -0.2 26087 26669 -2.2
Americas 5294 5144 +2.9 54712 52816 +3.6
Asia Pacific 1989 2225 -10.6 20162 21367 -5.6
Africa and Middle East 2946 2670 +10.3 25912 22864 +13.3
Total 12755 12571 +1.5 126873 123715 +2.6
Passenger load factor (%)
UK/Europe 55.0 56.3 -1.3 pts 71.3 67.9 +3.4 pts
Americas 69.6 73.8 -4.2 pts 77.6 79.4 -1.8 pts
Asia Pacific 75.4 77.6 -2.2 pts 78.8 76.8 +2.0 pts
Africa and Middle East 77.8 81.3 -3.5 pts 77.4 77.2 +0.2 pts
Total 69.5 72.5 -3.0 pts 76.5 76.1 +0.4 pts
Revenue tonne km (RTK) (m)
Cargo tonne km (CTK) 338 412 -18.1 3964 4100 -3.3
Total RTK 1248 1335 -6.5 13771 13508 +1.9
Available tonne km (m) 1923 1961 -2.0 19495 19326 +0.9
Overall load factor (%) 64.9 68.1 -3.2 pts 70.6 69.9 +0.7 pts
Certain information included in these statements is forward-looking and involves
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 Plan programs, expected future revenues, financing plans
and expected 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 itemize 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. Information on some
factors which could result in material difference to the results is available in
the Company's SEC filings, including, without limitation the Company's Report on
Form 20-F for the year ended March 2006.
The estimated impact of the averted strike in Quarter 4 reflects the direct
costs of the measures and the estimated revenue impacts, both direct and
indirect. The estimate of GBP80 million is based on assumptions the company
considers reasonable, but are judgemental.
Investor Relations
Waterside (HCB3)
PO Box 365
Harmondsworth
UB7 OGB
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8738 694