SWISS raises its first-quarter Adjusted EBIT to CHF 106 million

Quarterly financial results

SWISS raises its first-quarter Adjusted EBIT to CHF 106 million

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.

1) 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.

SWISS.COM

 

Banyan Tree Debuts in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

An Urban Oasis in the Garden City of Lights - opening 15 June

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce the opening of Malaysia's first Banyan Tree resort, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, on June 15 2018. Set amidst the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle, the commercial, shopping and entertainment hub of Malaysia, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur offers a modern city sanctuary with signature local experiences.

Occupying the top seven floors of Banyan Tree Signatures Pavilion Kuala Lumpur building, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur features 55 exquisite rooms and suites, ranging from 51 square metres to 200 square metres in size, with a contemporary flair. Most of the rooms and suites overlook the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Tower. With Banyan Tree's signature aromatherapy essentials and chromotherapy shower in all room categories, and private relaxation pool in the suites, guests will enjoy a Sanctuary for the Senses.

The urban resort is home to four exciting dining venues, each designed to stimulate great sensory and culinary experiences for the guests. From a French-inspired bakery at the Arrival Lobby – Bake by Banyan Tree, sky high afternoon tea and wine lounge on 53rd Floor – Altitude, to an exquisite steakhouse on 58th Floor – Horizon Grill and the highest hotel rooftop bar in the city centre on 59th Floor – Vertigo, the finest Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Designed to be an urban oasis, the resort adds a sense of luxury and comfort to every stay by offering a comprehensive suite of facilities. This includes three spacious and fully equipped boardrooms for those seeking to host intimate executive meetings or private engagements, an open-air pool with a stunning towers view and a state-of-the-art gym.

For those seeking a complete physical, mental and spiritual renewal, Banyan Tree Spa is guaranteed to impress. As one of the pioneers and award-winning oriental spas in Asia, it reintroduced an exotic blend of ancient health and beauty practices which have been passed down from generation to generation. The massage treatments are based on a 'high-touch, low-tech' approach that celebrates the human touch and the use of natural herbs and spices. The spa in Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur boasts four couples' spa suites with features of several Banyan Tree Spa well-loved treatments such as Royal Banyan and Thai Traditions. Guests will be fully pampered by the intuitive touch of professional spa therapists.

"Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur is designed for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the excitement of

urban adventures, but still desire their own private haven to relax in," said Mr. Anders Dimblad, General Manager of Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur. "We have brought together the best of Banyan Tree's signature touches including the Resort Host service to offer a Sanctuary for the Senses to our guests, in the midst of cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur".

Open for booking from May 1 until September 30 2018, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur is inviting all guests to experience the urban resort with the Opening Celebration Offer. For only MYR878 nett, the package includes daily breakfast for two, RM150 worth of Banyan Tree Spa credit per stay redeemable towards a massage or treatment package, two complimentary Sunset Mocktails at Vertigo and a 15% discount each for afternoon tea at Altitude and Banyan Tree Spa essential products. Guests may make the booking directly with the property via telephone +603 2113 1888, email reservations-kualalumpur@banyantree.com or the resort's website https://www.banyantree.com/en/malaysia/kuala-lumpur.

About Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
 
The Banyan Tree Group is a leading international operator and developer of premium resorts, hotels, residences and spas, with a collection of award-winning brands. Banyan Tree offers a Sanctuary to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in awe-inspiring locations around the globe. Rediscover the romance of travel as you journey to iconic destinations where authentic, memorable experiences await. Angsana brings the adventure back into travel whatever your age or reason to visit.  Intertwining local chic and a vibrant fun-filled atmosphere, Angsana offers amazing destination playgrounds across the world. Cassia is a bold new proposition in the extended stay sector, offering stylish, cutting edge hotel residences for holidays and business travel. It offers incredible choice for families, friends and couples. Dhawa is a casual and contemporary full-service hotel that fuses imaginative design, absolute comfort and seamless technology into a single stay experience. It curates a plethora of choices to achieve a truly customised stay.