AirAsia’s Malaysian operation extends recent load factor gains
AirAsia continues to match supply more closely with demand, reporting a healthy 4 ppts increase in its Malaysian operation's load factor to 74% in the three months ended 31-Mar-2010 (1Q2010). After almost two years of load factor falls, AirAsia is bringing capacity levels more into line with demand, calming its pace of growth.
AirAsia RPK and ASK growth (% change year-on-year): 1Q2008 to 1Q2010
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & AirAsia
The airline carried almost 3.7 million passengers in 1Q2010, up 17.1% year-on-year, while capacity (ASKs) rose 11.1%.
AirAsia passenger numbers (mill) and growth (% change year-on-year): 1Q2008 to 1Q2010
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & AirAsia
The airline's stage length rose just 1.1% to 1,174 km, and the number of stages operated rose 11.1% as its Malaysian fleet rose from 44 to 48 aircraft in the period (+9.1%).
The strong growth in demand ahead of supply, thanks to an improving regional economy, produced healthy load factor gains in the first quarter.
AirAsia passenger load factor (%) and growth (ppts change y-o-y): 1Q2008 to 1Q2010
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & AirAsia
AirAsia reported its 1Q2010 operating data after the market closed on 21-May-2010. Its shares have lost around 13% of their value over the past month, on rising investor concern about the global economic outlook.
AirAsia share price movements over the past month
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & Yahoo!