Guangzhou reports new passenger and cargo records in Mar-2011
Guangzhou International Airport handled 3.7 million passengers in Mar-2011, a new record and a 1.3% year-on-year increase. Passenger numbers at the airport have increased by 20% from Mar-2009 and are up 23% from Mar-2008 levels. Passenger levels have increased 39% from Mar-2007 and 67% from Mar-2006 levels, coinciding with the growth of the Chinese aviation industry.
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport passenger numbers (2009 to 2011)
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation and airport reports
Guangzhou was the 19th largest airport by passenger numbers in 2011, based on ACI data, up from 22nd in 2009, and is the second largest airport in China.
Chinese airport passenger numbers and growth: 2010
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation and airport reports
China Southern Airlines, Asia's largest and the world's fifth largest carrier by passenger numbers is based at the airport, and is the airport's largest airline, with a 50% capacity share at the airport. Accordingly, SkyTeam alliance has a dominant presence at the airport. Guangzhou is also a focus city for Shenzhen Airlines, which has a 9% capacity share at the airport.
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport capacity (seats per week, to/from) by carrier (18-Apr-2011 to 24-Apr-2011)
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation and Innovata
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport capacity share by alliance (18-Apr-2011 to 24-Apr-2011)
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation and Innovata
At present, 16% of the carrier's capacity is deployed internationally, with 84% for domestic operations. The ratio of international services will increase, as China Southern continues its international expansion. See related article: China Southern looks 'long' as competition from high-speed rail intensifies
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport international vs domestic capacity share (18-Apr-2011 to 24-Apr-2011)
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation and Innovata
Cargo up strongly to new record
Cargo was also up strongly in the month, with cargo volumes increasing 7.9% to a record 104,627.2 tonnes, following a decline in Feb-2011 related to reduced freight demand over Chinese New Year. Freight increased 11.9% to 72,742.2 tonnes and mail declined 02% to 31,885. Guangzhou was the world's 21st largest cargo airport in 2010, according to ACI, with the airport benefiting from being a key base for FedEx Express.
Looking historically, cargo volumes are up 49% from Mar-2009 levels and are 62% stronger than in Mar-2008. Cargo volumes were 81% higher in Mar-2011 compared to Mar-2007 and 41% stronger than in Mar-2006.
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Cargo Volume (2009 to 2011)
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation and airline reports
Aircraft movements, meanwhile, increased 2.1% to 28.586 in Mar-2011, following a decline in Feb-2011. Aircraft movements were at record levels in Jan-2011 at 29,994 monthly aircraft movements.
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Aircraft Movements (2009 to 2011)
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation and airline reports
These graphics are produced using CAPA's new on-demand monthly airline traffic database, now covering dozens of LCCs worldwide and more than 130 carriers in total. Sign-up for a free trial today