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The start of both 2004 and the Year of the Monkey in the same month resulted in
a significant rise in the number of passengers carried by Dragonair in January
compared with one year earlier. Some 333,488 people flew with the airline, up
18.7% on the 280,976 who flew in January last year.
"One of the reasons for the large increase is that the Lunar New Year took place
in February last year, so the comparison is somewhat flattering, but the
underlying trend is still positive," said Chief Executive Officer Stanley
Hui.
"Demand in January is also traditionally lower than for the peak holiday period
over Christmas and New Year, and this was reflected in a 3.2% month-on-month
decline, in line with usual trends."
A similar pattern was seen in cargo. The airline carried 19,028 tonnes in January,
up on the same month in 2003, but down on the previous month.
"Cargo also followed the traditional trend of tailing off after Christmas, but again,
was 4.2% higher than at the same time last year," Mr. Hui said. "February is also
usually a quieter month, but we are looking to build on a record-breaking 2003
and will be looking for an even better overall year in 2004." |
