As part of the already planned cost reductions in the new strategic platform 4Excellence, SAS will reduce the number of full-time positions in the administration by 300. One of the main targets in 4Excellence is a 3-5% unit cost reduction annually. That equals approximately SEK 2bn for 2012. SAS maintains its forecast of a marginally positive financial result for 2011. However as previously announced, the implementation of the initiatives in 4Excellence becomes even more crucial in 2012 due to increased economic uncertainty, increased pressure on yields in the airline industry and continued high fuel prices.
“It is critical in order to strengthen our competitive position, that we reach the targeted unit cost reduction of 3-5% annually. Part of this is to reduce the number of employees in the administration. Regretfully that will mean that good and loyal employees will be leaving SAS but I am convinced that these measures are necessary. With the loyalty and commitment that we have in SAS we will now concentrate our efforts to secure our long term competitiveness.” Says Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO of SAS.
