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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 6-K

Report of Foreign Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

of May 8, 2003

KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES


(translation of Registrant’s trade name into English)

Amsterdamseweg 55, 1182 GP Amstelveen, The Netherlands


(Address of principal executive offices)

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)

Form 20-F   x       Form 40-F   o

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.)

Yes   o      No   x


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SIGNATURES
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines ANNUAL RESULTS
STRUCTURAL CHANGES GOING FORWARD
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
DISTRIBUTION TO SHAREHOLDERS
RECONCILIATION UNDER US GAAP
OUTLOOK
UPCOMING EVENTS
KEY FINANCIAL DATA
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
AIRLINE OPERATING DATA


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

         
        KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
         
         
Date: May 8, 2003   By   /s/ R.A. Ruijter
       
    Name:   R.A. Ruijter
    Title:   Managing Director & CFO
         
         
    By   /s/ H.E. Kuipéri
       
    Name:   H.E. Kuipéri
    Title:   Senior Vice President &
        General Secretary


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(KLM LOGO -- ANNUAL RESULTS)

KLM GROUP REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR RESULTS

     AMSTELVEEN, THE NETHERLANDS, MAY 8, 2003 — KLM Group today reported an operating loss of EUR 252 million for the fourth quarter, ended March 31, 2003. This compares to an operating loss of EUR 124 million last year. Included within the operating loss for the quarter was an additional charge of EUR 69 million, following the decision to accelerate the retirement of KLM’s Boeing 747-300 fleet earlier than previously anticipated.

     Fourth quarter after tax income before extraordinary items amounted to a net loss of EUR 217 million, compared to a net loss of EUR 108 million, or EUR 2.31 per common share last year. This quarter’s net income included an extraordinary loss after tax of EUR 181 million relating to the Alitalia arbitration award, as well as a one-off restructuring provision of EUR 49 million after tax (EUR 75 million pretax). Including extraordinary items, fourth quarter net loss was EUR 447 million, or EUR 9.96 per common share.

     Operating loss for fiscal year 2002/03 was EUR 133 million, compared to an operating loss of EUR 94 million last year. Net loss, excluding extraordinary items, for the year amounted to EUR 186 million. Including these items, net loss amounted to EUR 416 million, or EUR 9.26 per common share. Last year, KLM Group reported a net loss of EUR 156 million, or EUR 3.37 per common share.

STRUCTURAL CHANGES GOING FORWARD

     Despite positive signs in the first half year, KLM Group reported a disappointing result for the fiscal year. This was mainly caused by the impact of the weak global economy and the continued instability in the Middle East and subsequent war in Iraq, which had an impact of approximately EUR 40 million on operating income. Travel demand was impacted further by the outbreak of the SARS virus in March of this year. While the inherent cyclical nature and geo-political developments affected our industry severely, KLM Group recognizes that the airline’s operating model needs structural improvement going forward. As such, KLM Group announced on April 1, 2003 the implementation of far-reaching measures to achieve the necessary changes in its cost structure. The overall objective is to achieve a return on capital employed of nine percent and a ten percent operating margin. This will be supported by a 10 percent reduction of unit costs, or an annualized cost saving of EUR 650 million to be achieved by March 2005, with a substantial part of this secured by March 2004. The number of job losses currently identified is 3,000 FTEs. Additionally, short-term measures have been taken to mitigate the effects of SARS on the Company’s results for this fiscal year.

     Leo van Wijk, President and CEO of KLM, said: ‘The current industry environment is unprecedented and we believe that the revenue environment has permanently changed. Our yields are decreasing and our cost base does not currently compensate for this development. We must therefore work hard with our employees, suppliers, the Dutch Government and other partners to reduce our cost base to match the new revenue environment. In doing so, we remain committed to our loyal customers and will keep responding to their changing demands by adapting accordingly our product and service model. Our new European product positioning and pricing structure demonstrates this approach. We are determined that we will manage today’s challenges and emerge from these difficult times as a financially robust company, ready to meet the challenges of the future.’

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FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

REVENUES

Passenger Business

     Fourth quarter passenger traffic demand was significantly affected first by tensions in the Middle East and the following war in Iraq, as well as the outbreak of the SARS virus. Passenger traffic revenues of EUR 904 million were EUR 69 million, or 7 percent, lower than last year, as a result of lower than expected traffic volumes and lower yields.

     Passenger traffic (in RPKs) in the fourth quarter increased by 4 percent. Passenger capacity (in ASKs) rose 8 percent on last year, which partially is the result of changes in the configuration of aircraft. The number of flights, however, declined by 2 percent. Passenger load factor declined by 3.3 percentage points to 76.8 percent.

     Passenger yields in the three months to March 2003 declined 10 percent compared to last year. Excluding currency effects, yields were 5 percent below last year.

Cargo Business

     KLM Cargo’s traffic revenues of EUR 249 million in the fourth quarter were 2 percent lower than last year. This is the combined result of higher traffic volumes and lower yields. Cargo traffic (in RFTKs) increased by 2 percent, whilst cargo capacity (in ATFKs) increased 5 percent. As a consequence, cargo load factor dropped by 2.3 percentage points to 70.9 percent. In the quarter, outbound European traffic remained under pressure, while traffic from Asia performed better than expected. Cargo yields were 4 percent below last year. Excluding currency effects, cargo yields increased by 4 percent year-on-year.

Engineering & Maintenance Business

     In the fourth quarter, KLM Engineering & Maintenance successfully managed increased pressure on its revenues as a result of deteriorating market conditions in the MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) market. Revenues increased by 5 percent to EUR 218 million.

Charter and Low Cost Businesses

     Despite the negative effects of the current operating environment, Transavia / BASIQ AIR managed to increase traffic volumes in line with capacity levels in the fourth quarter, albeit with increased pressure on yields. Revenues nevertheless were at the same level as last year.

     At the end of January, KLM announced the sale of buzz to Ryanair. Following this, Ryanair announced its intention to temporarily cancel all routes. This announcement had a further negative effect on the revenues of buzz in the fourth quarter. On April 11, 2003, the sale of buzz was finalized. In anticipation of this transaction KLM recorded a loss of EUR 9 million in fiscal 2002/03 for the impairment of certain assets.

Group Revenues for Fiscal Year 2002/03

     Group operating revenues for fiscal 2002/03 (EUR 6,485 million) were 1 percent lower than last year. Traffic of KLM Company (includes KLM Passenger Business and Cargo Business) was up 2 percent on last year, while capacity was up 1 percent. As a consequence, overall load factor increased by 1.3 percentage points to 78.2 percent. KLM Company yield was down 4 percent compared to last year. Manageable yield (excluding currency effects), however, was at the same level as last year.

OPERATING EXPENSES

     Fourth quarter’s Group operating expenses increased by EUR 14 million (1 percent) to EUR 1,629 million. KLM airline manageable unit costs (excluding currency and fuel price effects) increased by 2 percent compared to the corresponding period. Including these effects, unit costs were down 2 percent on last year.

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     For the fiscal year 2002/03, Group operating expenses decreased by EUR 8 million to EUR 6,618 million. Manageable unit costs (excluding currency effects, fuel price effects and the effects of the accelerated retirement of the 747-300 fleet) increased by 1 percent compared to last year. Including these effects, unit costs were at the same level as last year.

RESULTS ON SALE OF ASSETS

     Fourth quarter Results on Sale of Assets, EUR 39 million negative, mainly relates to sale-and-lease-back transactions of fleet and to the sale of KLM uk’s low cost activity (buzz) to Ryanair. These sale-and-lease-back transactions are aimed at reducing residual value risks on certain aircraft types.

CASH FLOW AND FINANCING

Cash Flow and Liquidity Position

     Fourth quarter’s cash flow from operating activities (including a cash out of EUR 171 million relating to the Alitalia settlement) amounted to EUR 274 million negative. Cash flow from investing activities amounted to EUR 75 million, being the positive balance of prepayments on new aircraft and the proceeds of sale-and-lease-back transactions of fleet. Free cash flow in the fourth quarter was EUR 199 million negative.

     Continued focus on capital employed once again resulted in a significant reduction of working capital. Supply chain initiatives by Engineering & Maintenance, aimed at a reduction of inventory levels, were implemented during the fiscal year. Debtor management enabled KLM Cargo to reduce its account receivable substantially.

     As of March 31, 2003, KLM Group had cash and cash equivalents totaling EUR 919 million, of which EUR 608 million is in cash and EUR 311 million is in Triple A bonds and long term deposits.

Financial Position

     During the fiscal year 2002/03, KLM’s net-debt position increased by EUR 279 million to EUR 2,887 million on March 31, 2003. Stockholders’ equity decreased by EUR 516 million to EUR 1,476 million. KLM’s gearing (net debt as a percentage of stockholders’ equity) deteriorated from 131 percent last year to 195 percent at March 31, 2003. For its new fleet deliveries, KLM has secured financing.

     KLM Group’s three Dutch pension funds remained in a significant surplus position, despite the adverse conditions in the financial markets.

DISTRIBUTION TO SHAREHOLDERS

     KLM’s dividend policy, which was revised with effect from fiscal year 2002/03, is geared to paying a sustainable dividend, linked to cash earnings. Despite the current global political and economic environment, the Board of Managing Directors has in line with this policy decided to make a distribution in cash to shareholders of EUR 0.10 per common share for the fiscal year 2002/03. The distribution will be paid out of reserves (fiscal year 2001/02: a distribution was made of EUR 0.20 per common share).

RECONCILIATION UNDER US GAAP

     On the basis of United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP), KLM’s net loss for the fiscal year 2002/03 amounts to EUR 267 million. Under US GAAP, KLM Stockholders’ equity on March 31, 2003 was EUR 2,827 million. The positive differences are primarily the result of pension accounting and the accounting treatment of the restructuring provision.

OUTLOOK

     On the basis of current economic conditions and uncertainties surrounding the SARS virus, KLM Group does not anticipate a short-term improvement in the operating environment. As such, the Group is firmly set on implementing the necessary measures aimed at a structural reduction of its cost levels, as well as short term measures, that contribute immediately to an improvement in results.

     
Amstelveen, May 8, 2003   The Board of Managing Directors

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Press Conference on Annual Results for fiscal year 2002/03

     A press conference for financial media will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2003 at 9.30 hours am CET. Leo van Wijk, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Rob Ruijter, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer will host the press conference. The press conference is also accessible via live audio webcast on the KLM Investor Relations website at http://investorrelations.klm.com, under ‘Events and Presentations’.

Analyst Meeting on Annual Results for fiscal year 2002/03

     An analyst meeting will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2003 at 3:30 hours pm CET. Leo van Wijk, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Rob Ruijter, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer will host the analyst meeting. The meeting will be accessible via live audio webcast on the KLM Investor Relations web site at http://investorrelations.klm.com, under ‘Events and Presentations’.

Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

     The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be held on June 25, 2003 in the Schouwburg, Amstelveen, The Netherlands, commencing at 2.00 hours pm CET. KLM’s Annual Report, together with the agenda for the meeting, will be published on May 30, 2003.

Warning about Forward-Looking Statements

     This press release contains, and the Company and its representatives may make, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995, either orally or in writing, about the Company and its business. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of terms such as “ambition”, “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “seek”, “continue” or similar terms. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections about the industries in which the Company operates, management’s beliefs and assumptions made by management about future events. Any such statement is qualified by reference to the following cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control and are difficult to predict, that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied from the forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties including, among others, (1) the airline pricing environment; (2) competitive actions taken by other airlines; (3) general economic conditions; (4) changes in foreign exchange rates and jet fuel prices; (5) governmental and regulatory actions and political conditions; (6) developments affecting labor relations or the Company’s airline partners; (7) the outcome of any material litigation; (8) the future level of air travel demand; (9) the Company’s future load factors and yields; and (10) the many effects on the Company and the airline industry from terrorist attacks, the possibility or fear of such attacks and the threat or outbreak of epidemics, hostilities or war, including the adverse impact on general economic conditions, demand for travel, the costs for security, the cost and availability of aviation insurance coverage and war risk coverage and the price and availability of jet fuel. Developments in any of these areas, as well as other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the documents the Company files with or furnishes to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those that have been or may be projected by or on behalf of the Company. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Additional information regarding the factors and events that could cause differences between forward-looking statements and actual results in the future is contained in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

     NOTE TO THE EDITORS: Financial and Statistical Data can be found at http://investorrelations.klm.com. For more information, contact Investor Relations at 31 20 649 3099, or Media Relations at 31 20 649 4545

     For photography: www.presslink.nl/klm

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KEY FINANCIAL DATA

                                   
      Three months ended   Twelve months ended
      March 31   March 31
     
 
(in millions of euros)   2003   2002   2003   2002

 
 
 
 
Operating revenues
    1,377       1,491       6,485       6,532  
Operating expenses before depreciation and
                             
long term rentals
    1,408       1,420       5,879       5,884  
 
   
     
     
     
 
EBITDAR
    (31 )     71       606       648  
Depreciation and long term rentals
    221       195       739       742  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss)
    (252 )     (124 )     (133 )     (94 )
EBITDAR as a % of operating revenues
    (2.3 )     4.8       9.3       9.9  
Operating income as a % of operating revenues
    (18.3 )     (8.3 )     (2.1 )     (1.4 )
Pretax income (loss)
    (318 )     (156 )     (271 )     (224 )
Net income (loss)
    (447 )     (108 )     (416 )     (156 )
Per common share (EPS)*
    (9.96 )     (2.31 )     (9.26 )     (3.37 )
Cash flow from operating activities
    (274 )     0       295       526  
Cash flow from investing activities
    75       (71 )     (436 )     (234 )
Free cash flow
    (199 )     (71 )     (141 )     292  
 
                               
Interest coverage ratio
    (17.0 )     (3.0 )     (1.8 )     (0.7 )
 
                               
Number of Staff KLM Group**
                               
- permanent
    31,474       30,749       31,583       31,474  
- temporary
    1,487       1,652       1,455       1,791  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Employed by KLM
    32,961       32,401       33,038       33,265  
- agency staff
    1,536       1,176       1,628       1,585  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    34,497       33,577       34,666       34,850  
                 
    March 31, 2003   March 31, 2002
   
 
Stockholders’ equity (in millions of euros)
    1,476       1,992  
Per common share*
    32.91       42.61  
Average number of common shares used for data per share calculations (fully diluted)***
    45,070,544       46,809,699  
 
               
Net debt-to-equity ratio (%)
    195       131  
 
               
Cash Position
               
Cash and marketable securities
    608       1,029  
Triple A bonds and long term deposits
    311       354  
     
     
 
    919       1,383  

     The financial information included in this press release is drawn up under Dutch accounting principles (Dutch GAAP), which differ in some respects from those generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). The table below summarizes some key financial data both under Dutch GAAP and U.S. GAAP. The differences mainly relate to pension accounting and the accounting treatment of the restructuring provision.

                                 
    Twelve months ended   Twelve months ended
    March 31, 2003   March 31, 2002
   
 
            US   Dutch   US
(in euros)   Dutch GAAP   GAAP   GAAP   GAAP

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) in millions
    (416 )     (267 )     (156 )     (2 )
Net income (loss) per common share*
    (9.26 )     (5.97 )     (3.37 )     (0.08 )
Stockholders’ equity in millions
    1,476       2,827       1,992       3,220  
Stockholders’ equity per common share*
    32.91       62.89       42.61       68.83  


*   After taking other rights to a share in net income and equity into account
 
**   Average full-time equivalents
 
***   2002/2003 figures have been adjusted for the repurchase of own shares. Total outstanding common shares as of March 31, 2003 are 46,809,699

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS   Three months ended   Twelve months ended
    March 31   March 31
   
 
(in millions of euros)   2003   2002   2003   2002

 
 
 
 
Operating revenues
    1,377       1,491       6,485       6,532  
Operating expenses
    1,629       1,615       6,618       6,626  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss)
    (252 )     (124 )     (133 )     (94 )
Financial income and expense
    (18 )     (39 )     (98 )     (134 )
Results on sale of assets
    (39 )     (1 )     (42 )     10  
Results of holdings
    (10 )     9       (4 )     (15 )
Results on sale of holdings
    1       (1 )     6       9  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Pretax income (loss)
    (318 )     (156 )     (271 )     (224 )
Taxes
    101       48       85       68  
 
   
     
     
     
 
After tax income before extraordinary items
    (217 )     (108 )     (186 )     (156 )
Extraordinary items
    (351 )           (351 )      
Taxes on extraordinary items
    121             121        
 
   
     
     
     
 
Extraordinary items after tax
    (230 )           (230 )      
Net income (loss)
    (447 )     (108 )     (416 )     (156 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Attributable to preferred stock dividends
    1       1       2       2  
Attributable to common stockholders
    (448 )     (109 )     (418 )     (158 )
                                 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS   Three months ended   Twelve months ended
    March 31   March 31
   
 
(in millions of euros)   2003   2002   2003   2002

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
    (447 )     (108 )     (416 )     (156 )
Depreciation
    170       132       535       487  
Changes in provisions
    (142 )     (52 )     (114 )     (86 )
Changes in operating working capital
    101       38       280       292  
Results of holdings
    10       (9 )     4       15  
Results on sale of holdings
    (1 )     1       (6 )     (9 )
Other changes
    35       (2 )     12       (17 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Cash flow from operating activities
    (274 )     0       295       526  
Net capital expenditures on intangible fixed assets
    (8 )     (2 )     (28 )     (7 )
Net capital expenditures on tangible fixed assets
    75       (77 )     (382 )     (376 )
Net capital changes in holdings
    8       8       (26 )     149  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Cash flow from investing activities
    75       (71 )     (436 )     (234 )
Free cash flow
    (199 )     (71 )     (141 )     292  
Cash flow from financing activities
    (144 )     (28 )     (280 )     (108 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Changes in cash and marketable securities
    (343 )     99       (421 )     184  
 
   
     
     
     
 

     Net capital expenditures on tangible fixed assets for the fourth quarter were positive since proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions of aircraft more than off set down payments on new fleet.

     Net capital expenditures on tangible fixed assets for the twelve months ended March 31, 2003 include the purchase of one Boeing 747-400 (final payment), two Fokker 70 aircraft and down payments on Boeing 747-400ER freighters, Boeing 777-200’s, Boeing 737-700/800’s and Airbus 330-200’s.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

                                 
(in millions of euros)   March 31, 2003   March 31, 2002

 
 
Fixed assets
                               
Intangible fixed assets
    66               56          
Tangible fixed assets
    4,982               5,104          
Financial fixed assets
    1,289               1,264          
 
   
             
         
 
            6,337               6,424  
Current assets
Operating supplies
    222               257          
Accounts receivable
    998               1,233          
Cash and marketable securities
    608               1,029          
 
   
             
         
 
    1,828               2,519          
Current liabilities
    2,190               2,092          
 
   
             
         
Current assets less current liabilities
            (362 )             427  
 
           
             
 
Assets less current liabilities
            5,975               6,851  
 
           
             
 
Long-term debt
Subordinated perpetual debt
    544               591          
Other long-term debt
    3,427               3,826          
 
   
             
         
 
            3,971               4,417  
Provisions
            271               177  
Deferred credits
            256               265  
Group equity
            1,477               1,992  
 
           
             
 
 
            5,975               6,851  
 
           
             
 

     Movements in long-term debt mainly relate to new funding, regular repayment of loans and foreign currency effects on USD denominated loans.

CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                 
(in millions of euros)   2002/03   2001/02

 
 
Balance at March 31
    1,992       2,061  
Changes in accounting policies
          71  
Distribution 2001/02 to shareholders
    (11)        
Allocation from net income
    (416 )     (156 )
Exchange rate differences/other
    (89 )     16  
 
   
     
 
Balance at March 31
    1,476       1,992  
 
   
     
 

     Movements with respect to exchange rate differences/other mainly relate to exchange rate differences arising on the translation of KLM’s share in equity and results of foreign holdings and the valuation of derivatives under SFAS 133/138.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS

                                                 
Operating revenues   Three months ended   Twelve months ended
(in millions of euros)           March 31                   March 31        

 
 
    2003   2002   %Change   2003   2002   %Change
   
 
 
 
 
 
Traffic revenues:
                                               
Passenger*
    904       973       (7 )     4,210       4,267       (1 )
Cargo
    249       255       (2 )     1,017       1,016       0  
Charter/low cost**
    71       76       (7 )     553       543       2  
 
   
     
             
     
         
Total traffic revenues
    1,224       1,304       (6 )     5,780       5,826       (1 )
Engineering & Maintenance revenues
    218       207       5       898       886       1  
Other revenues
    77       109       (29 )     400       397       1  
Elimination internal revenues
    (142 )     (129 )     n.m       (593 )     (577 )     n.m  
 
   
     
             
     
         
Total operating revenues
    1,377       1,491       (8 )     6,485       6,532       (1 )
 
   
     
             
     
         
                                                 
Operating expenses   Three months ended   Twelve months ended
(in millions of euros)   March 31   March 31

 
 
    2003   2002   %Change   2003   2002   %Change
   
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and benefits
    489       451       8       1,907       1,747       9  
Hired personnel
    27       23       17       108       116       (7 )
 
   
     
             
     
         
Labour costs
    516       474       9       2,015       1,863       8  
Materials and consumables
    98       112       (13 )     448       470       (5 )
Commercial costs
    107       124       (14 )     499       506       (1 )
Landing fees and navigation charges
    125       116       8       541       524       3  
Third-party handling costs
    40       53       (25 )     208       231       (10 )
Work by third parties
    95       108       (12 )     489       455       7  
Housing, vehicles and Inventories
    40       35       14       153       151       1  
Commercial cooperation
    27       43       (37 )     117       176       (33 )
Ad hoc aircraft -/ truck rentals
    22       34       (35 )     99       153       (35 )
Other operating expenses
    127       112       13       424       372       14  
 
   
     
             
     
         
 
    1,197       1,211       (1 )     4,993       4,901       2  
Aircraft fuel
    211       209       1       886       983       (10 )
 
   
     
             
     
         
Operating expenses before depreciation and long term rentals
    1,408       1,420       (1 )     5,879       5,884       0  
Depreciation
    110       132       (17 )     457       487       (6 )
Write down / impairment loss
    60             n.m       78             n.m.  
Operational aircraft lease expenses
    42       56       (25 )     171       226       (24 )
Long term property rentals
    9       7       29       33       29       14  
 
   
     
             
     
         
Depreciation and long term rentals
    221       195       13       739       742       0  
Total operating expenses
    1,629       1,615       1       6,618       6,626       0  
 
   
     
             
     
         
  Salaries and benefits showed a year-on-year increase of 8% in the fourth quarter, which is mainly the effect of general wage increases (including a structural wage increase of 3% effective February 1, 2003) and higher (pre-) pension charges.

  Cost of materials and consumables in the fourth quarter were lower than previous year as a result of lower US-dollar exchange rates.
 
  The decrease of commercial costs was mainly due to lower sales commissions.
 
  Ad hoc aircraft/truck rentals and operational aircraft lease expenses decreased as a result of the insourcing of capacity from regional partners.
 
  Exceptional charges with respect to the accelerated retirement of KLM’s Boeing 747-300 fleet amounted to EUR 69 million for the fourth quarter and EUR 87 million for the full year. Of these amounts EUR 60 million and EUR 78 million can be characterised as impairment losses on tangible fixed assets for the fourth quarter and full year respectively.

*   KLM, KLM Cityhopper and KLM Cityhopper uk ltd.
 
**   Transavia (including BASIQ AIR) and buzz

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Table of Contents

AIRLINE OPERATING DATA

                                                 
    Three months ended   Twelve months ended
    March 31   March 31
   
 
KLM*   2003   2002   %Change   2003   2002   %Change

 
 
 
 
 
 
Traffic (in millions of RTKs)
    2,452       2,380       3       10,132       9,890       2  
Capacity (in millions of ATKs)
    3,203       3,013       6       12,952       12,859       1  
Load factor (%)
    76.6       79.0               78.2       76.9          
 
                                               
Break-even load factor (%)
    90.5       84.3       7       80.2       77.7       3  
 
                                               
Yield per RTK (in cents)
    46.9       51.4       (9 )     51.5       53.4       (4 )
Excluding currency effects
                    (3 )                     0  
 
                                               
Unit revenues per ATK (in cents)
    35.9       40.6       (12 )     40.3       41.1       (2 )
Excluding currency effects
                    (6 )                     2  
Unit costs per ATK (in cents)
    42.5       43.3       (2 )     41.3       41.5       0  
Excluding fuel price effects
                    (3 )                     0  
Excluding currency effects
                    3                       3  
Excluding fuel price and currency effects
                    2                       3  
 
                                               
Margin per ATK (in cents)
    (6.6 )     (2.7 )             (1.0 )     (0.4 )        
 
                                               
Passenger Business
                                               
 
                                               
Traffic (in millions of RPKs)
    14,038       13,513       4       59,417       58,447       2  
Capacity (in millions of ASKs)
    18,273       16,867       8       74,825       74,051       1  
Passenger load factor (%)
    76.8       80.1               79.4       78.9          
 
                                               
Yield per RPK (in cents)
    6.4       7.2       (10 )     7.1       7.3       (3 )
Excluding currency effects
                    (5 )                     1  
Unit revenues per ASK (in cents)
    4.9       5.7       (14 )     5.6       5.8       (2 )
Excluding currency effects
                    (9 )                     1  
 
                                               
Cargo Business  
                                               
 
                                               
Traffic (in millions of RTFKs)
    1,046       1,027       2       4,197       4,050       4  
Capacity (in millions of ATFKs)
    1,476       1,403       5       5,852       5,817       1  
Cargo load factor (%)
    70.9       73.2               71.7       69.6          
 
                                               
Yield per RTFK (in cents)
    23.7       24.7       (4 )     24.2       25.0       (3 )
Excluding currency effects
                    4                       1  
Unit revenues per ATFK (in cents)
    16.8       18.1       (7 )     17.3       17.4       (1 )
Excluding currency effects
                    1                       4  
 
                                               
KLM Group Passenger data**/***  
                                               
 
                                               
Traffic (in millions of RPKs)
    15,444       14,763       5       69,016       66,899       3  
Capacity (in millions of ASKs)
    20,390       18,672       9       87,647       85,954       2  
Passenger load factor
    75.7       79.1               78.7       77.8          


*   Operating data of KLM, KLM Cityhopper and KLM Cityhopper uk ltd.; prior-year figures have been restated for comparative purposes; unit revenues and unit costs before joint venture settlements.
 
**   KLM Group: KLM, KLM Cityhopper, KLM Cityhopper uk ltd., KLM uk (buzz) and Transavia (including BASIQ AIR).
 
***   First Quarter and Second Quarter figures for 2002/03 have been restated.
 

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Table of Contents

AIRLINE OPERATING DATA

Traffic and capacity figures by route area*

                                                 
Three months ended March 31   Traffic (RTK)   Capacity (ATK)   Load factor (%)

 
 
 
            %           %                
(in millions of ton-kilometers)   2003   growth   2003   growth   2003   2002

 
 
 
 
 
 
Asia Pacific
    811       2       982       6       82.6       85.5  
North Atlantic
    652       9       851       14       76.6       79.7  
Central and South Atlantic
    315       (1 )     424       1       74.3       75.2  
Africa
    280       4       361       6       77.4       78.5  
Europe
    222       4       353       6       63.0       64.0  
Middle East / South Asia
    172       (9 )     232       (3 )     74.5       79.5  
 
                                               
Total KLM
    2,452       3       3,203       6       76.6       79.0  
                                                         
Twelve months ended March 31   Traffic (RTK)   Capacity (ATK)           Load factor %

 
 
         
            %           %            
(in millions of ton-kilometers)   2003   growth   2003   growth           2003   2002

 
 
 
 
         
 
Asia Pacific
    3,366       4       3,961       0       7       85.0       81.5  
North Atlantic
    2,582       (3 )     3,251       (3 )             79.4       79.4  
Central and South Atlantic
    1,271       (2 )     1,754       (1 )             72.5       73.6  
Africa
    1,119       17       1,437       15               77.8       76.9  
Europe
    1,034       11       1,527       6               67.7       64.7  
Middle East / South Asia
    760       (5 )     1,022       (6 )             74.4       73.1  
 
                                                       
Total KLM
    10,132       2       12,952       1               78.2       76.9  

SUMMARY STATISTICS

(Twelve months ended March 31, 2003 compared to last year)

(FLOW CHART)


*   KLM, KLM Cityhopper and KLM Cityhopper uk ltd, prior-year figures have been restated for comparative purposes
 
**   Operating income as a percentage of operating revenues (group)

10