SAS’ restructuring plan is still on course after improved 2Q2013 results

In 2QFY2013 (Nov-2012 to Apr-2013), SAS has turned around pre-tax losses to report a profit (before non-recurring items) and reversed the pattern of 1QFY2013, when its losses widened. It has made progress with cost reduction and looks to be on track to achieve its FY2013 financial targets. It has also recently agreed to sell its Wideroe subsidiary and made further progress in its fleet modernisation programme.

SAS' recent launch of new fare classes SAS Go and SAS Plus scarcely looks to be the "new service concept" that it claims, but at least the Nordic region's largest carrier is attempting to differentiate itself from its many and growing competitors. In 2012, President and CEO Rickard Gustafson said the restructuring plan was a "final call" for SAS. It seems that, at least for now, the group has not yet missed the flight.