AirAsia trading update: preliminary operating results for period Apr-Jun 08

The following update is based on the latest available operating information for AirAsia Berhad, the Malaysian listed entity.

AirAsia carried a total of 2.8 million passengers for the period April-June 08; this represents a 20% year-on-year increase in number of passengers carried. The capacity addition for the period was 33% (measured in available seat kilometres). Seat load factor (based on seats sold) was lower for the period at 75%.

The addition of capacity stems from the induction of two Airbus A320 into the fleet during the period. The number of sectors flown for the period was 21,208, 18% higher than the same period last year. The increased flights are mostly injected to frequency addition across the network. In addition, AirAsia launched six new routes during the period: Kuala Lumpur-Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur-Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur-Haikou, Kuala Lumpur-Kuantan, Johor Bahru-Medan and Johor Bahru-Surabaya. 

There has been a slight drop in seat load factor across the network over the same period last year. The main reason for the decline is aggressive capacity addition and the introduction of new routes which underperforms during its introductory stage.

The information above has not been reviewed by or reported by the Group’s auditors.

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 06-Aug-08

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