UK. British Airways said December 2005 passenger capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs), was up +2.6% on December 2004.
Traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), was higher by +4.7%, resulting in a passenger load factor up 1.5 points versus last year, to 74.2%.
The traffic increase comprised a +9.3% upswing in premium traffic and a +4.1% rise in non-premium traffic.
For the October to December quarter, ASKs rose by +4%, with RPKs rising by 5.8%, resulting in an increase in passenger load factor of 1.3 points, to 74.1 per cent. This comprised a +9.3% increase in premium traffic and a +5.2% increase in non-premium traffic.
The airline said market conditions remained broadly unchanged, as significant promotional activity was required to deliver seat factors.
Meanwhile, low-cost carrier Ryanair said its year-on-year passenger traffic jumped +29% to 2.8 million in December, while load factor fell by one percentage point to 82% against December 2004.
MORE STORIES ON BRITISH AIRWAYS AND RYANAIR
British Airways June passengers advance +4.7% – 06/07/05
British Airways pre-tax profits soar to £415 million – 13/05/05
