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Qantas scores highly in ancillary revenue survey, Chinese airlines rally

Analysis

Qantas is the fourth ranked carrier globally in terms of ancillary revenue generation, thanks to its enormously successful frequent flyer programme. According to the Amadeus Guide to Ancillary Revenue by IdeaWorks, Qantas is a leading protagonist in the airline industry's "ancillary revenue tidal wave", with carriers worldwide generating a 43% increase in this revenue stream in 2009.

See CAPA's dedicated page to Ancillary Revenues

According to the Ancillary Guide, "early results from an analysis of 2009 financial filings made by 96 airlines indicate ancillary revenue increased EUR3.32 billion from 2008 to a total of EUR11 billion (USD13.5 billion) for 2009. These estimates include revenue from a la carte features such as baggage fees and food sold onboard aircraft, commissions from the sale of hotel accommodations, car rentals, and travel insurance at airline websites, and partner revenue generated by frequent flyer programmes".

The 4th place slot is now held by Qantas at a 25% revenue premium above the same position held by Ryanair in 2008.

Top 5 Airlines by total ancillary revenue generation: 2008 and 2009

United Airlines is the new leading carrier, at EUR1.53 billion, eclipsing American Airlines at EUR1.51 million and Delta Air Lines. All three US carriers have reported significantly improved 2Q2010 financial results thanks to surging ancillary revenues receipts.

See related reports:

Qantas also fourth in terms of per passenger ancillaries

Overall "per passenger" ancillary activity for 2009 surged, with US LCC Allegiant leading the way. UK-based carrier Jet2.com generated an "amazing" 58% increase while Qantas posted a "spectacular" 72% jump, according to the Guide. It also noted, "a major upset occurred with ancillary revenue champ Ryanair falling off the Top 10 list and arch-rival easyJet entering the list at the number 10 slot for 2009."

Top 10 Airlines - Ancillary Revenue per Passenger: 2008 vs 2009

Qantas' shares gained 0.8% yesterday.

Chinese stocks rally

Chinese airline shares gained considerable ground yesterday, led by China Southern (+5.0%), Air China (+4.5%) and China Eastern (+4.2%). Air China gained after it reported a 28.3% surge in total traffic in Jun-2010 and a 7 ppts increase in load factor to 80.4%.

China Southern confirmed plans to launch Guangzhou-Dubai-Lagos (Nigeria) service on 10-Oct-2010. It launched Beijing-Dubai-Lagos service in 2007. At the Farnborough Airshow, China Southern signed an agreement with IAE for the purchase of 20 V2500 engines and long-term after-sales service.

See CAPA's Farnborough Airshow page

Asia Pacific selected airlines daily share price movements (% change): 21-Jul-2010

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