Cathay Pacific reports positive June 2005 traffic figures

Cathay Pacific Airways' traffic figures for June 2005 show a steady improvement in passenger and cargo volumes during the month and cumulatively over the first six months of the year.

In June, the airline carried 1,258,031 passengers, a 10.1% increase on the same month last year and 89,431 tonnes of freight, a 16.5% improvement year-on-year.

Cumulatively, over the first six months of the year, passenger and cargo volumes increased 14.5% and 10.2% respectively. This was against a corresponding 12.2% increase in passenger capacity, measured in terms of Available Seat Kilometres, or ASKs, and 12.7% increase in cargo capacity, measured in terms on Available Tonne Kilometres, or ATKs. 

The average passenger load factor in June was a high 80.1% and 68.3% for cargo, with the rising price of fuel continuing to weigh heavy against the airline’s improved performance.

Cathay Pacific General Manager Revenue Management, Sales & Distribution Ian Shiu said, "Passenger traffic was quite robust in June with strong demand around the system in the buildup to the summer peak. Long-haul routes to North America and Europe did particularly well. Unfortunately, fuel prices hit a record high during the month, casting a dark cloud over a generally bright business picture."

Cathay Pacific Director & General Manager Cargo Ron Mathison said, "June saw a solid revenue performance on the cargo side of the operation, with demand for exports from the Chinese Mainland remaining high despite continuing high fuel costs."

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