Singapore Airlines pax up 9% in Apr-2012, load factor stronger although yield pressure expected

Singapore Airlines reports (15-May-2012) the following traffic highlights for Apr-2012:

• Passenger numbers: 1.5 million, +9% year-on-year;
• Passenger load factor: 79.7%, +5.1 ppts;
  • East Asia: 76.8%, +3.8 ppts;
  • Americas: 77.7%, +6.3 ppts;
  • Europe: 82.6%, +5.2 ppts;
  • South West Pacific: 83.7%, +5.7 ppts;
  • West Asia and Africa: 76%, +4.6 ppts;
• SIA Cargo:
• Cargo volume: 94,300, -5.4%;
• Cargo load factor: 62.6%, -2.9 ppts;
  • East Asia: 53%, -9.0 ppts;
  • Americas: 65.9%, +1.5 ppts;
  • Europe: 71.2%, -3.5 ppts;
  • South West Pacific: 57.8%, -2.3 ppts;
  • West Asia and Africa: 63%, +1.0 ppts. [more - original PR]

Singapore Airlines: "Although loads have shown improvements in the past few months, the operating environment remains challenging and promotional activities necessitated by intense competition are expected to place downward pressure on passenger yields," Source: Company statement, 15-May-2012.