Dragonair registers record year in 2002

Dragonair registered double-digit year-on-year increases in both the number of passengers and the amount of cargo flown for the 12 months of 2002 following a record-breaking December. Annual passenger numbers broke through the three-million level for the first time, reaching 3,449,254, while cargo was close to an annual level of 200,000 tonnes.

Annual passenger numbers rose 19.24% over 2001, the result of the airline's increased fleet size and greater frequencies to key destinations in its network. For the same reasons, December figures were up 25.76% over the same month in 2001.

"Our performance in 2002 was very satisfying given the general economic climate and the increased competition we faced," said Stanley Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Dragonair. "We are now ready to face the challenges of 2003 with a completely revamped interior for all our cabins, and are keen to keep the momentum going, although fuel costs continue to be a concern going forward."

Talking about the December passenger figures, he noted: "It was clear there was much more demand in the market than at the same time one year earlier. The performance was underpinned by a strong trend for business travel, which accounted for about half of the growth in the month. The other half  came from sightseeing groups and individual travelers."

Dragonair's cargo operation confirmed its record-breaking run in 2002, setting an annual uplift record of 193,465 tonnes - 59.61% up on 2001. Meanwhile, for a second consecutive month the airline flew more than 20,000 tonnes in December, at 20,095. This was a 47.48% jump over the same month in 2001.

"It has been a spectacular year for our cargo operations, with the growth in the China mainland market being exceptional," said Mr. Hui. "While the outlook remains uncertain in light of tension in the Middle East for 2003, we believe the economic growth in the mainland will continue to power both imports and exports."

"The China mainland and Taiwan markets did particularly well in December, which has given the second best monthly result in the history of our cargo operations," he noted. "Exports from eastern China were outstanding, with double the growth of December 2001."

Dragonair is a Hong Kong-based airline, operating a fleet of nine A330-300s, four A321s and eight A320s, in addition to three Boeing 747-300 freighters. The airline's passenger network covers 28 destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, while its cargo network connects the markets of Europe, the Middle East, Japan, Taiwan and China Mainland.