DRAGONAIR SETS DAILY PASSENGER RECORD

Dragonair sets a new high for the number of passengers flown in one day on August 12, carrying 10,601 people. The airline’s previous record of 10,342 was set on April 12.

“The record reflects the fact that we are operating the most extensive summer schedule in our history,” said James Yeung, Dragonair’s General Manager, Commercial.

“However, it seems the peak has come a little later this year – usually the busiest summer month for travel for us is July.”

Mr Yeung added: “It’s certainly good to post a record, but it is a little below our forecasts. Like all airlines we are beginning to see the effects of the global and regional slowdown.”

The airline has added two new Airbus A330s to its fleet this year, and has boosted frequencies on several routes, including Beijing and Shanghai.

Dragonair is a Hong Kong-based airline, operating a fleet of seven A330-300s, three A321s and seven A320s, in addition to a Boeing 747-200 freighter. It is currently in the midst of a programme to more than double its fleet by the end of 2005. The airline's passenger network covers 27 destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, while its cargo network connects the markets of Europe, the Middle East, Japan and China.