China Airlines and Kingfisher seeing yield improvements; China Southern expects 2009 profitability

During the month, the carrier’s passenger yield slipped 12.4% (off low double-digit growth in Dec-2008), although this was the smallest contraction in seven months. Cargo yield was up 10.0%, off a negative base in Dec-2008, for the largest year-on-year increase since Sep-2008, as the carrier benefited from improved Christmas cargo activity.

China Airlines’ passenger and cargo yield growth: Jan-2007 to Dec-2009

Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation and China Airlines

The improved yields also had a positive impact on operating revenues in the month, with total revenues soaring 37% year-on-year to USD360 million, driven by a 1.5% increase in passenger revenues (to USD180 million), and a notable 125% increase in cargo revenues (to USD163 million). Traffic results were also stronger, with passenger numbers rising 23% (to 915,000), passenger load factors improving 8.5 ppts (to 79.4%), and cargo traffic soaring 105%.

China Airlines’ yield developments have been closely mirrored by EVA Airways. See related article: EVA Air’s passengers yields remain weak, but cargo yields improving

China Airlines’ and EVA Air’s passenger and cargo yield growth: Jan-2007 to Dec-2009

Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, China Airlines and EVA Air

Kingfisher seeing demand and yield improvements; reports narrowed operating loss

Meanwhile, Kingfisher Airlines’ shares remained stable yesterday, upon the release of the carrier’s financial highlights for the three months ended 31-Dec-2010. The carrier stated it is seeing improved traffic/demand levels, with “buoyant” demand expected to continue. The carrier added it is experiencing an “improvement” in both premium and economy yields.

However, in the quarter, the carrier reported revenue per RPK reduction of 19%, contributing to a 7% year-on-year revenue reduction, despite a 4% increase in passenger numbers and a 14.5 ppt load factor improvement. The carrier reported a loss after tax of USD92 million in the period (an improvement from a loss of USD90.1 million in the previous corresponding period), with an EBITDA loss of USD17.0 million.

JAL’s share price continue to slump

JAL’s shares dropped to another new record low of just JPY2 (USD 0.02 cents) on 20-Jan-2010, slumping 60%.  Also in the Japanese market, Skymark Airlines’ shares gained 8.3%, with ANA shares’ down 1.8%.

See related report: Japan Airlines bankrupt, Tiger Airways IPOs; a sign of the changing times

For a full wrap of JAL's bankruptcy developments and in depth coverage of today's other Asia Pacific aviation developments, including China Southern's earnings update and latest aircraft order, see Asia Pacific Airline Daily.

Asia Pacific selected airlines daily share price movements (% change): 20-Jan-2010

Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & Reuters