Korean Air and Asiana Airlines see reduced impact from swine flu

South Korean aviation officials stated the effects of swine flu on demand for international travel is dissipating, with stronger reservations between 20-Aug-2009 to 31-Aug-2009 than the 14-19-Aug-2009 period (heraldm, 21-Aug-09). Korean Air's international load factors have improved, with Japan services increasing 3 ppts to 74% on 19-Aug-2009, and on China services by 6 ppts to 61%. Southeast Asian load factors also gained, up 3 ppts to 65%. Forward bookings for Sep-2009 also increased. Meanwhile, Asiana Airlines' international load factors also climbed, by 5 ppts, in the 20-Aug-2009 to 31-Aug-2009 period.