AirAsia X pax numbers up 7.5% in 1Q2012, record quarterly load factor of 87%

AirAsia X passenger numbers up 7.5% - traffic highlights for the three months ended Mar-2012:

• Passenger numbers: 0.7 million, +7.5% year-on-year;
• Capacity (ASKs): +5.5%;
• Passenger traffic (RPKs): +12.4%;
• Passenger load factor: 87%, +6.0 ppts;
• Cargo volume: 7407 tonnes, -11.0%. [more - original PR]

Cargo operations were affected by the discontinued India routes, with AirAsia X carrying 7407 tonnes of freight for its current quarter, registering a 11% decrease from a year ago. However, due to strong improvement in yields, cargo revenue increased by a double-digit in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the first quarter in 2011.

AirAsia X: "We are confident we will keep growing into the second half of 2012, where we have new enhanced innovation and ancillary offerings. AirAsia X has improved its Fly-Thru connecting transfer service to more attractive destinations with better flight connectivity options across South East Asia and beyond. The airline recently increased flight frequencies from Kuala Lumpur to popular holiday destinations such as Ho Chi Minh (4X Daily), Bandung (4 X Daily) and Singapore (13 X Daily)," Azran Osman-Rani, CEO. Source: Company statement, 08-May-2012.