Cathay Pacific announces combined traffic figures for April 2011, reports rise in passenger numbers

Cathay Pacific Airways recently announced the combined traffic figures for Cathay Pacific and Dragonair for April 2011. The figures revealed a y-o-y rise in passenger numbers alongside a drop in the passenger load factor, and a decrease in the amount of cargo and mail carried.

According to a press release issued by the airline, the Cathay Pacific and Dragonair carried a total of 2,258,004 passengers last month, up 4.1 percent as compared to the same month last year. The passenger load factor declined by 3.6 percent to 80.3 percent. The capacity for the last month, measured in available seat kilometers (ASKs), increased by 11.6 percent. Besides, the number of passengers carried increased by 1.7 percent compared to a capacity rise of 10.1 percent for the year to date.

“Demand on North American and Southeast Asian routes remained strong, and regional demand from Hong Kong was given a boost by the Easter holidays. The China network was solid, improving the quality of revenues on Dragonair, while Europe rebounded off the low base last year resulting from the airspace closures. Premium demand continued to be generally firm, benefitting from the Canton Fair. The continued slump on Japan routes remains a concern, with few signs yet of material pick-up,” said Tom Owen, Cathay Pacific General Manager Revenue Management.