AirAsia X pax numbers up 31.5% to 2.5 million in 2011, highest ever full year load factor

AirAsia X reports (15-Feb-2012) the following traffic highlights:

• Three months ended Dec-2011:
  • Passenger numbers: 0.6 million, +7.3% year-on-year;
  • Passenger traffic (RPKs): +12.3%;
  • Capacity (ASKs): +12.2%;
  • Passenger load factor: 82%;
  • Cargo volume: 8474 tonnes;
• 12 months ended Dec-2011:
  • Passenger numbers: 2.5 million, +31.5%;
  • Passenger traffic (RPKs): +36.2%;
  • Capacity (ASKs): +30%;
  • Passenger load factor: 80.1%, +3.6 ppts;
  • Cargo volume: 35,016 tonnes. [more - original PR]

AirAsia X: "AirAsia X was able to achieve positive load factor growth and average fare growth at the same time, on all of its routes that it has operated for at least a full year. With both load factor and average fares growing positively, we were able to achieve a total Revenue of RM1.9 billion in 2011, a 45% growth over 2010. This demonstrates the resilience of the low-cost long-haul model, and underpins AirAsia X's recently announced 2012 route network strategy to focus on building a stronger presence in its core markets. The plan will see AirAsia X increase our flight frequencies on existing routes and look at expanding our network further across Asia Pacific," Azran Osman-Rani, CEO. Source: Company statement, 15-Feb-2012.