GOL seeing “gradual recovery in yields”; Fourth consecutive month of RASM growth for Southwest
GOL's share price was boosted by reports that net yield showed recovery once again in Dec-2009, reaching slightly more than BRL19.00 cents (USD 11.00 cents). This brought the net yield to approximately BRL18.00 cents (USD 10.42 cents) in 4Q2009 and to just above BRL20.00 cents (USD 11.58 cents) in FY2009.
GOL's load factors soar; benefiting from signs of Brazilian economy recovery
Also in the month, GOL reported that total system traffic (RPKs) by 34.8% year-on-year in Dec-2009 on a 14.3% capacity (ASKs) increase, reflecting both the company's better positioning in its markets in 2009 (higher frequency and regularity between Brazil's main airports, strong cost advantages and the revitalization of SMILES frequency mileage programme), and increased demand, which was driven primarily by Brazil's economy recovery signs. Load factors soared 11.6 ppts to 76.3%.
Fourth consecutive month of RASM growth for Southwest
Southwest, the largest US LCC, stated it expects passenger revenue per ASM to have increased in the 7% range in Dec-2009 - for the fourth consecutive month of increases - thanks in part to a 5.8% capacity (ASKs) reduction during the month. The carrier handled 7.0 million revenue passengers in Dec-2009, a 3.7% year-on-year increase, with load factors up notably, by 6.5 ppts to 76.2%.
In the full year, Southwest handled 86.3 million passengers, a 2.5% year-on-year reduction, while load factors gained 4.8 ppts to 76.0%.
Virgin America ruled as a US citizen
In other US LCC news, the US Department of Transportation ruled on Friday that Virgin America remains a US citizen and is under the active control of US citizens. Virgin America applauded the decision confirming the carrier's financial fitness and US citizenship status. See related article: Sorry Alaska, Virgin America IS American
In the Asia Pacific, shares in Japan's Skymark Airlines slumped 6.4%, while in Europe, shares in Ryanair and easyJet were weaker, down 1.4% and 2.5%, respectively.
Selected LCCs daily share price movements (% change): 08-Jan-2010
