Cathay Pacific releases September 2002 traffic figures

Cathay Pacific Airways today released traffic figures for the month of September 2002, again showing growth in both passenger numbers and cargo volumes.

In September 2002, Cathay Pacific carried 983,005 passengers, a 12.8% increase over the same month last year. The passenger load factor was 74.1% compared to 68.4% in September last year, but well below the peak season figure of 82.1% recorded in August 2002.

Cargo's strong performance continued with 76,324 tonnes carried in September, up from 74,422 tonnes in August this year, and 12.9% higher than in September 2001.

Cumulative figures for the year to date show a 6.1% increase in the number of passengers and a 17.1% increase in freight tonnage compared to the same nine-month period last year.

Cathay Pacific General Manager Revenue Management, Sales and Distribution Ian Shiu said: "The September figures are reasonably positive, although comparisons are distorted by events a year earlier in the USA. Load factors are satisfactory, but well below the levels achieved during the summer peak travel season. Markets remain cautious, with demand for business travel remaining quite soft." Cathay Pacific General Manager Cargo Kenny Tang added: "Cargo demand remains firm with the seasonal peak in full swing."

* AHK European routes are included and traffic statistics figures are restated from July 2001 for comparison purpose.