Annus Horribilis for SAS

2009 became a terrible year for Scandinavian Airlines.

Figures annouced today revealed nearly 25million passengers flew with SAS in 2009, a decline of almost 4 million.

14.1 % Decline

In 2008 the airline flew 29 million passengers, meaning 2009 saw a decline of 14.1 per cent, writes reiselivsavisen.no.

The financial crisis has thus affected the company severely.

Autumn Improvements

Despite the poor figures, there are signs of improvement.

The airliner has taken several drasic steps to cut costs, including lay offs, divestments and cutting unprofitable routes.

This meant that the fall in passengers was less towards the latter part of 2009, indicating better times ahead.

Wideroe Success

One of the Norwegian companies owned by SAS, Wideroe, are doing good business despite the credit crunch.

The small airliner had a 0.9 per cent passenger increase in 2009.