US LCCs slip, as does Ryanair, easyJet and Air Berlin, AirAsia up slightly
Shares in the major US LCCs were down yesterday (02-Jul-09), led by AirTran (-4.9%). The Orlando-based carrier yesterday reported a 5.4% year-on-year reduction in passenger numbers to 2.2 million, with load factor slipping 1.1. ppts to 83.6%. The carrier's 2Q2009 load factor of 80.7%, a 1.3 ppt year-on-year improvement, represented a new second quarter record for the carrier, as it reduced capacity (ASMs) by 7.6% in the quarter.
Among the other US LCCs, Southwest's shares slipped 4.4%, with JetBlue and Allegiant down 3.9% and 0.7%, as the US stock market sank on a weaker than expected jobs report.
GOL's shares also slipped 2.1% yesterday, following a 1.8% improvement the previous day.
In Europe, Ryanair, easyJet and Air Berlin slipped by 4.0%, 2.0% and 1.8%, respectively, in line with reductions across the European markets, while in the Asia Pacific region, AirAsia gained 0.9%.
Earlier this week, AirAsia stated it expects to become the second largest carrier in Asia by 2013, based on its current growth projections, as the carrier continues its growth strategy. Most recent figures reveal that the carrier has sold 3.5 million seats in 2Q2009 (between 01-Mar-09 and 27-Jun-09), a 23% year-on-year increase, and very much against the woes other airlines are experiencing in terms of demand.
Selected LCCs daily share price movements (% change): 02-Jul-09
