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Air France-KLM flat, Aer Lingus gains, British Airways dips, Lufthansa lower

Analysis

Shares in Air France-KLM remained virtually flat (+0.1%) yesterday as the carrier announced plans to reduce capacity (ASKs) for its Winter 2009/10 schedule by 2.0%, compared to Winter 2008/09 and 3.6% compared to Winter 2007/08.

The carrier will cut long-haul capacity by 1.8% and medium-haul capacity by 2.9%. French domestic capacity will be cut by 3.2%. It will also introduce a new class, 'Premium Voyageur' on all Air France's long-haul aircraft by the end of 2010, except for aircraft servicing the Caribbean and Indian Ocean network. The arrival of the carrier's first three A380s during the period will enable a reduction in the number of frequencies to New York, Dubai and Johannesburg, while maintaining seat capacity levels. It will also optimise trans-Atlantic services, in the context of the JV between Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines.

Aer Lingus to outsource long-haul services?

Elsewhere, Aer Lingus, which is also restructuring its route network, is considering plans to transfer its long-haul operations to a third party, as part of initiatives to address mounting losses in long-haul markets. The carrier is also considering introducing a "Premium Economy" section on its trans-Atlantic routes. Aer Lingus' shares gained 2.3% yesterday.

Eastern European carriers gained yesterday, Turkish Airlines (+5.0%) and El Al (+1.9%), while British Airways dipped (-1.1%), Lufthansa (-1.5%), Austrian (-1.8%), Finnair (-2.2%) and SAS (-2.9%) were lower.

Europe selected airlines daily share price movements (% change): 21-Sep-09

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