Loading

Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Qantas lower as carriers slash capacity - Share Wrap

Analysis

Shares in several leading Asia Pacific carriers weakened on Friday, as concerns grow about a protracted global economic downturn. Airlines are reacting by continuing to reduce their capacity levels to/from the region. Some countries are worse affected, including Thailand.

Seat capacity to/from the region is down by 2% in May-2009, and within the region capacity is up by 2%. Figures reported for Asia last month were a 1% decline to/from the region, and a rise of 3% for intra-regional capacity. OAG reports the Asia Pacific is the only region to report worsening capacity levels this month compared to April.

Thailand's Air Transport Regulatory Bureau reports international airlines and freight operators have cut 1,536 Thailand-bound flights from their schedules for Mar-2009 to Oct-2009, due to the global economic crisis and the tourism downturn, or around 48 flights per week.

The number of passenger flights for the Summer schedule has fallen 2.6% to 938, though the number of international airlines serving Thailand remains unchanged at 90. The Nation reports Thai Airways cut 170 domestic and international flights from its May-2009 schedule, due to weak forward bookings. The addition of three more weekly Bangkok-Los Angeles frequencies next month has been deferred until the swine flu outbreak is resolved. Thai Airways shares slumped 7.4% on Friday.

However, some carriers (mainly LCCs and Middle East airlines) are increasing capacity to Thailand, led by Tiger Airways (increase from 21 to 35 flights per week), as well as AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, Emirates, Gulf Air and others.

Elsewhere, Cathay Pacific's shares eased 2.9%, despite confirmation from the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department that Cathay may extend current passenger fuel surcharge levels for another two months.

Shares in Qantas and Virgin Blue fell 1.8% and 3.7%, respectively, on Friday, while Singapore Airlines was virtually steady.

Kingfisher (+13.7%), SpiceJet (+10.0%) and Jet Airways (+4.9%) continued to advance on hopes of foreign airline investment in the sector.

For daily updates on American aviation stock prices and a complete wrap of the day's breaking news, sign up now for a complimentary subscription to America Airline Daily.

Asia Pacific selected airlines daily share price movements (% change): 22-May-09

Want More Analysis Like This?

CAPA Membership provides access to all news and analysis on the site, along with access to many areas of our comprehensive databases and toolsets.
Find Out More