China Southern Airlines to add 85 aircraft in 2013, sixth freedom pax up 130% in 2012

China Southern Airlines stated (05-Jan-2013) it remained the world's third largest carrier and the largest in Asia, in terms of fleet with 491 aircraft at the end of 2012. The carrier said it also maintained its third global ranking, first in Asia, in terms of annual passengers with 86.5 million passengers in 2012, an increase of 7.2% year-on-year. China Southern also reported an 8.4 increase in cargo volume to 1.2 million tonnes. According to the carrier, international and regional capacity (ASKs) accounted for 30% of the carrier's total capacity. Passenger traffic on sixth freedom flights is estimated to increase by more than 130% to 350,000 passengers during the year. Looking ahead, the carrier said it will take delivery of 85 new aircraft in 2013, for a total fleet of more than 500. [more - original PR - Chinese]