SAS ceo: Have fought for our survival

the price war in the aviation industry presses scandinavian SAS and crises have succeeded each other. In the current austerity package, the objective is to improve earnings by three billion by 2020. But the process of change has already begun to yield results, according to the ceo Rickard Gustafson.

" We have fought for our survival and 2018, we do one of our best results ever. It shows that we have put on and adapted to how the industry looks today, " says Rickard Gustafson, who at the same time notes that it is many times been a painful journey, not least for the staff.

that ended in October, flew 30 million passengers with SAS – a rekordsiffra.

From its inception in 1946 up to and including 2012 had the SAS a more or less fixed timetable, but a relatively small operation during the summer, when business travelers had vacation. Was July a förlustmånad. Now it is one of the best months of the year that carries more unprofitable periods during the winter months.

– Säsongsdestinationer, we go in and out of destinations, it has radically changed the profitability of SAS, " says Rickard Gustafson.

Other factors which ultimately improves the company's financial position is that in 2018, has done away with an expensive loan which it now exercised preferensaktieprogrammet meant.

during the summer, was forced to the SAS set two per cent of its flights, one percentage point more than normal. Crowded in the skies, lack of personnel, and ordered aircraft which were delayed at the manufacturer, were the reasons.

" The cancellation of flights in the summer we deeply regret. It has taught us that we need to be even better at ensuring that we have a robust production, " says Rickard Gustafson.

the Company has recently opened new bases in Ireland and in Spain, among other things, to reduce personnel costs. But Rickard Gustafson points out that SAS scandinavian soul is very important to him.

– The scandinavian is a culture and don't have as much to do with what language you speak. Our business does not mean that all must be scandinavians for it to work. Look at Ikea for example, " says Rickard Gustafson.

to become a low-cost airlines to Rickard Gustafson't really take the word in his mouth.

– the Term low-cost companies will disappear. In the future there will be airlines competing. Customers decide what they have for willingness to pay. We can't offer it they choose someone else, " says Rickard Gustafson.

SAS is the next few years before the investments. The fleet is to be replaced, and from 2022 flying SAS with approximately 100 new machines for a total cost of close to sek 50 billion.

– most of The time is about to replace the old flight to get flights that are more fuel-efficient, " says Rickard Gustafson.

Before 2019 see SAS ceo some storm clouds. A higher oil price and a weaker exchange rate against the dollar are the main challenges. At the same time as the competition on the scandinavian market is expected to increase. The focus of the business is according to Rickard Gustafson on the increased digitisation and sustainability issues.

– the Flight has a negative impact on the environment and we must take it very seriously. We must find a way to make the switch to sustainable travel. It is something we prioritize highly, " he says.