28-Apr-2010 11:00 AM
Thai Airways' passenger numbers down due to political instability
Thai Airways stated passenger numbers to Thailand have fallen due to recent political instability (Wall Street Journal, 27-Apr-2010). Thai stated traffic on its Indian routes has dropped 7%, while passenger numbers from China, Japan and South Korea have also declined. Average load factors are currently at 70%, compared to 78.9% in Mar-2010. Load factors averaged 81% in 1Q2010. Thai now plans to launch fare sales in May/Jun-2010 to boost passenger numbers and is considering temporarily reducing frequency on some routes.