Dragonair Cargo sees Double Digit Rise in February 2004

Dragonair's cargo volumes continued their upward trend in February 2004, a month traditionally regarded as being a low season for freight, while passenger numbers eased as normal following the busy Lunar New Year holiday.

Double-digit rises in cargo volume were recorded on both a year-on-year and a month-on-month basis in February, with the airline carrying 23,500 tonnes of freight. This was 57.3% higher than in the same month last year, and 23.5% higher than in January.

"The freight market remains buoyant, and this is particularly encouraging as we're still in the low season at the start of the year," said Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui.

"It bodes well for the rest of the year, and means the entry into service of our fourth freighter in the summer will come at just the right time. By operating three freighters at this time we have been able to build up schedules and frequencies that are attractive to shippers; the new freighter will enable us to enhance those services."

Explaining the reasons for the continued growth, he noted: "Exports from the China Mainland continue to drive the growth in freight volumes. Dragonair is playing an important role in getting cargo to China's major export markets through our Hong Kong hub, and helping the industry develop in the process."

Meanwhile, the number of passengers flying with Dragonair eased in February, in line with usual trends following the Lunar New Year, which this year fell in January. Year-on-year, 4.5% fewer travellers flew with the airline, while month-on-month the reduction was 16.7%.

However, the number of passengers in the first two months of 2004 was 39,306 higher than in the same period last year, an increase of 6.9%.

"It's usual for there to be fewer travellers after a big holiday such as the Lunar New Year," Mr. Hui said. "Group traffic in particular reduces. But with spring and the Easter holidays almost upon us, numbers will pick up again. Adding to that will be the introduction of our seven flights a week to Tokyo, which will come just in time for the Easter break."