Dragonair's Cargo continues to set records

Dragonair set a third consecutive monthly cargo uplift record in November, carrying more than 26,000 tonnes in a single month for the first time in its history. The amount flown in November was up almost 20% on last year, at 26,452 tonnes, and a 1.7% rise over the record set in October.

"Cargo is having an exceptional year," said Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui. "Even with the lack-lustre economic situation in Europe and Asia demand in these markets for goods from the China Mainland has been streaking ahead. This bodes well for 2004, when the general consensus is for an improved economic growth outlook."

Looking at the performance of the airline's cargo operation over the past 11 months, he said: "Our cargo operation has seen growth of more than 40% compared with last year and is firing on all cylinders. It really has been the star performer in what has been an extremely difficult year for the airline."

Passenger numbers remained steady in November, but still increased 10.8% over the same month last year. Dragonair flew 331,802 passengers.

"Travel by individuals continues to be strong, and the November figures were helped by the addition of our twice-daily service to Bangkok," said Mr. Hui. "The route to the Thai capital is just over a month old and is performing in line with our expectations, and we are optimistic about it when looking at the prospects for 2004.

He continued: "Yield continues to be lower than in 2002, one of the after-effects of the SARS outbreak earlier in the year. But with the economy growing and confidence returning to Hong Kong we are looking for that to return to a normal level next year."