Wednesday, 11 March 2009

Bangkok Airways loads up

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by George McLeod
Tuesday, 10 March 2009

BANGKOK Airways reported a slight increase in load factors - the average percentage of seats occupied on its Cambodia routes - for February 2009 over the same period last year, despite declining tourist arrivals amid an airline industry downturn.

The Thailand-based carrier said last week that load factors for Cambodia were 70 percent in February, up from 67 percent in February 2008.

Bangkok Airways Deputy Manager Ekkaphon Nanta-O-Sot said the airline was pleased with the results but that growth had slowed from last year.

"We have had a lot of success with our Cambodia service," Ekkaphon said.

Bangkok Airways said it is increasing services from Phnom Penh to Bangkok from two to three flights per day, and starting an Airbus 319 with business class.

Bangkok Airways's results come despite a regional slump. The International Air Transport Association's most recent figures said Asia was the world's worst performer, with an 8.4 percent drop in 2008 from 2007 figures.

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