JAKARTA (TheInsiderStories) - The airlines manager, PT AirAsia Indonesia Tbk (IDX: CMPP) reported a “strong rebound” in the fourth quarter (4Q) of 2020 compared to previous quarter, as the number of passengers carried grew to 389,283. The passenger load factor also rose 59 percent from 3Q of last year as more flights resumed and travel restrictions eased.
In December only, its operating capacity grew more than tripled compared to November. Operations remained primarily domestic, with domestic running at 93 percent of pre-COVID capacity. The Group is expects AirAsia Indonesia to fully recover to its pre-COVID domestic capacity in 1Q of 2021.
AirAsia Group Bhd (MYX: 5099) is navigating its recovery phase exceptionally well as key operational improved in 4Q in comparison to 3Q of 2020, notably with a 31 percent increase in passengers carried by AirAsia Thailand, doubling of passengers carried by AirAsia Philippines, and AirAsia Indonesia multiplied its number of passengers carried by a whopping 11 times.
“These improvements signify a solid domestic rebound for air travel demand across the Group’ key operating markets,” wrote the management in a written statement released on Tuesday (02/09).
In total, AirAsia carried 23 million passengers during 2020. By December, the four units recovered close to 60 percent of pre-COVID domestic capacity. Post-COVID, the company expects to benefit from a leaner and optimized airline operation established in 2020, concentrating on recovering the most profitable and popular routes while exploring opportunities to gain market share.
In detailed, AirAsia Malaysia closed the fourth quarter with 834,934 passengers carried on 72 percent load factor, despite the setback in October and November, given the reimplementation of interstate travel restrictions. Following the easing of restrictions in December, strong pent-up demand positively translated into an immediate pick up in domestic travel.
Then, AirAsia Philippines carried 117,948 passengers in 4Q of 2020 and reported a load factor of 64 percent. On a month-to-month basis, AirAsia Philippines’ number of passengers carried doubled while domestic operating capacity increased by 13 percent in 4Q as compared to 3Q of 2020.
While, AirAsia Thailand’ performance further gained momentum in the last quarter of 2020, riding on strong domestic travel demand from the festive season and travel incentives from the government. The flight carrier operations exceeded expectations as it surpassed its pre-COVID domestic capacity by 7 percent.
In December 2020, AirAsia Thailand operated 116 percent of pre-COVID domestic capacity, as compared to 96 percent in September 2020. The company utilized 70 percent of its fleet by the end of December. More than 2.8 million passengers were carried during the quarter, an increase of 50 percent on quarterly basis, resulting in a commendable load factor of 74 percent.
Written by Editorial Staff, Email: theinsiderstories@gmail.com
