SIA cargo traffic up 4.3% in April

by Payload Asia

Singapore Airlines reported April cargo traffic (measured in FTK) rose 4.3 per cent year-on-year to 517.3 million, as compared to a 4.7 per cent increase in capacity. Cargo load factor slipped 0.3 percentage points to 61.4 per cent last month.

Load factor improved for South West Pacific (5.9 per cent) and West Asia/Africa (3.3 per cent) regions, but fell for East Asia, Americas and Europe, as demand did not keep pace with capacity changes.

SIA’s systemwide passenger carriage (measured in revenue passenger kilometres) in April decreased 5 per cent against last year, with a 3.3 per cent reduction in capacity (measured in available seat kilometres). Consequently, passenger load factor (PLF) dropped 1.4 percentage points to 75.3 per cent.

Comparing year-on-year, demand was generally softer this April on account of the Easter traffic shift into the month of March 2015. PLF improved for South West Pacific and West Asia/Africa primarily on the back of capacity consolidation. On the other hand, PLF on Americas and Europe routes declined due to weaker passenger demand.

SilkAir’s systemwide passenger carriage grew 4.5 per cent year-on-year, matching the 4.5 per cent increase in capacity. Consequently, PLF decreased marginally by 0.1 percentage points to 69.2 per cent. For the East Asia and Pacific Region, passenger carriage grew but lagged behind capacity injection, resulting in a lower PLF. For the West Asia Region, a combination of passenger carriage growth and capacity reduction contributed to a higher PLF.

Scoot’s systemwide passenger carriage grew 11.1 per cent YoY as compared to a 5.4 per cent increase in capacity. Consequently, PLF increased by 4.2 percentage points to 81.9 per cent. PLF increased by 4.2 percentage points for East Asia as geopolitical conditions stabilised in the region. For the South West Pacific region, PLF improved as passenger carriage growth outstripped capacity growth.

Tigerair’s systemwide passenger carriage declined by 6.4 per cent year-on-year as compared to a 6.0 per cent decrease in capacity. Consequently, PLF decreased by 0.3 percentage points to 82.5 per cent. Overall cargo load factor (CLF) was 0.3 percentage points lower as cargo traffic (measured in freight-tonne kilometres) grew 4.3 per cent as compared to a 4.7 per cent increase in capacity. Load factor improved for South West Pacific and West Asia/Africa regions, but fell for East Asia, Americas and Europe, as demand did not keep pace with capacity changes.