Thai Airways’ shares take off as load factors improve
Thai Airways' shares soared 5.7% on Friday as the carrier reported rising demand and load factors last month (albeit off last year's low base).
Thai Airways ASK growth and RPK growth: Jun-2009 to Jun-2010
Thai Airways passenger load factor: Jun-2009 to Jun-2010
Broker Julius Baer has downgraded its rating on Thai Airways to 'hold' from 'buy', citing the airline's recent share price rally. The carrier's shares have gained around 20% over the past month, on the improving outlook for visitor arrivals to Thailand.
Thai Airways' share price over past month
Thai Airways President Piyasvasti Amranand stated last week that passenger revenue has "improved to a satisfactory rate", increasing by 10% year-on-year since the end of Jun-2010. He added load factors in the first nine days of Jul-2010 increased to 72% and advanced bookings for the rest of July "look quite good".
Elsewhere, Australia's SkyWest soared 8% on Friday, China Eastern rose 2.2% and EVA Air fell 2%.
Asia Pacific selected airlines daily share price movements (% change): 16-Jul-2010