SIA Group's passenger load factor up 1.8ppt to 84.7% in December

Overall cargo load factor rose 1.9ppt, with growth in cargo traffic of 4.3% against a capacity increase of 1.5%.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group airlines' passenger load factor (PLF) improved 1.8ppt to 84.7% in December.

According to its operating results, passenger carriage increased 5.1% compared to last year, outpacing capacity injection of 2.9%.

Meanwhile, SIA's PLF improved 2ppt to 84.4%. Passenger carriage increased 3.1% compared to last year, against a 0.7% increase in capacity.

PLF for all route regions improved due to stronger passenger demand during the year-end peak.

"The operating landscape remains challenging, with efforts focused on balancing yields against loads, amidst competitive pressures," SIA said.

Meanwhile, overall cargo load factor (CLF) was 1.9ppt higher, with growth in cargo traffic of 4.3% against capacity increase of 1.5%. CLF improved across all regions, except Americas, as demand outpaced capacity changes.

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SilkAir’s systemwide passenger carriage grew 12.2% year-on-year, surpassing capacity growth of 10.5%. Consequently, PLF improved by 1.1ppt to 76.6%, led by growth in demand in China and Southeast Asia.

During the month, SilkAir took delivery of its third 737 Max 8 aircraft.

Scoot recorded passenger carriage growth of 10.2%, exceeding capacity expansion of 9.0%. Consequently, PLF went up by 1ppt to 88.7%, boosted by improvements in all route regions. PLF on selected routes to India, China, Australia, and fifth freedom routes to North Asia continued to improve.

During the month, Scoot commenced its second long-haul service to Honolulu (via Osaka), as well as direct services to Harbin. The second of the 12 A320 aircraft which were subleased to IndiGo was returned to Scoot, bringing the narrow-body fleet to 25 aircraft.