SWISS generated total income from operating activities of CHF 1.18 billion in the first three months of 2018, an eight-per-cent increase on the prior-year period (Q1 2017: CHF 1.09 billion). The additional capacities created by the current fleet renewal were successfully sold on both the passenger and the cargo front. In addition to efficiency gains deriving from the fleet renewal programme, earnings for the period were also boosted by non-recurring items. As a result, SWISS improved its adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (Adjusted EBIT) for the first-quarter period from CHF 35 million to CHF 106 million[1].
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) delivered a strong business performance in the first quarter of 2018. Total income from operating activities was raised 8 per cent to CHF 1.18 billion (Q1 2017: CHF 1.09 billion). The additional capacities provided by the current fleet renewal were successfully marketed and sold. Results for the period were also boosted by various non-recurring items deriving mainly from project deferrals. The revenue growth, which was driven by strong sales efforts, also helped raise earnings for the period. As a result, first-quarter Adjusted EBIT was improved 200 per cent to CHF 106 million (Q1 2017: CHF 35 million)1.
Investments in modernization reaping rewards
SWISS put two further Boeing 777-300ERs into long-haul service and two further Bombardier CS300s onto its short-haul network during the 2018 first-quarter period. The new aircraft types help effect a substantial improvement in the company’s cost structures, particularly through their superior profitability credentials.
SWISS was also able to sell the extra capacity offered by these larger aircraft in its various markets. The 3.7 million passengers who were transported in the first three months of 2018 represent a 1.9-per-cent increase on the prior-year period. Total traffic volume for the period, measured in revenue passenger-kilometres, was up 3.0 per cent. In addition to the favourable passenger traffic trends, the airfreight business of Swiss WorldCargo also showed highly positive developments in both price and volume terms.
“We are delighted to have had such a successful first quarter,” says CEO Thomas Klühr. “But the rising price of fuel will be felt increasingly, and will have a corresponding impact on our earnings, as the year progresses. So it’s all the more vital that we continue to work consistently to meet our customers’ wishes even better by offering them products that are tailored as closely as possible to their specific air travel needs.”
Outlook
SWISS will continue to benefit from efficiency gains deriving from its current fleet renewal. But the countertrends – particularly intensified competition and the added cost burden of an ever-rising oil price – are likely to make their presence increasingly felt. These adverse trends will also impact even more as the year progresses and the benefits of current fuel hedges increasingly expire.
Continuous further development of the travel experience
2018 will remain dominated at SWISS by further enhancements to its customers’ travel experience. The second quarter will also see the opening of the modernized Business and Senator Lounges in Zurich Airport’s Terminal A.
SWISS will also be launching ‘SWISS Saveurs’, its new inflight foodservice concept for European routes from Geneva. From the end of May onwards, passengers on the flights concerned will be able to tailor their inflight food and drink to their own wishes and needs. In addition to a continuing basic product, travellers will be able to purchase quality local items made by the Geneva branch of Swiss retailer Globus. The new SWISS Saveurs programme has been developed in response to the growing demand among customers for a personalized air travel experience.
- SWISS replaced EBIT with Adjusted EBIT as its prime financial indicator in its reporting from the beginning of 2018. An EBIT of CHF 37 million was previously reported for the first quarter of 2017.