Cathay Pacific pax down as ash disruptions hit European operations

Cathay Pacific passenger numbers down 3.6% - consolidated traffic highlights in Apr-2010:

• Passenger numbers: 2.2 million, -3.6% year-on-year;
• Passenger traffic (RPKs): -4.3%;
  • China: +10.8%;
  • Northeast Asia: +1.2%;
  • Southeast Asia: +0.1%;
  • India, Middle East, Pakistan and Sri Lanka: +2.1%;
  • Europe: -21.9%;
  • South West Pacific and South Africa: -10.9%;
  • North America: +3.1%;
• Passenger load factor: 83.9%, +1.3 ppts;
• Cargo volume: 152,808 tonnes, +24.1%. [more]

Cathay Pacific: "Both the number of passengers carried and our capacity were affected by the volcanic ash induced six-day closure of airspace over most of Europe. However, on all other routes our business held up well, with volume and yield trends continuing to improve over the lows of 2009. The Easter holidays spurred leisure traffic out of Hong Kong, and we capitalised on this with some additional flights. We also saw a continuation of the pick-up in demand in our premium cabins, helped by the regional Trade Fairs. The outlook through to the summer peak season is currently solid, and we continue to resume some of the capacity cut back last year over the next few months," Tom Owen, General Manager Revenue Manager. Source: Company statement, 12-May-2010.