28-Mar-2007 9:37 AM
Air China kept a 'buy' on positive 2007 prospects - Citigroup
Analysis
Air China has said it expects 15 pct growth in traffic this year, outpacing its planned 12 pct capacity increase. It also sees a 10 percentage point rise in load factor for its premium classes, backed by burgeoning business travel in China and the pre-Olympics effect.
Citigroup said synergies with Cathay might contribute around 600 mln yuan in revenue.
Passenger yields in the first two months of 2007 rose 6 pct year-on-year.
However Citigroup said it has reservations about predictions for a cargo turnaround for the airline.
"We think slowing demand, overcapacity and diversion to shipping suggest a bleaker outlook for cargo," it said
Cargo contributed 9 pct of Air China's revenue in 2006, Citigroup said.