Air Canada Reports February Traffic
Air Canada mainline flew 7.8 percent
more revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in February 2004 than in February 2003,
according to preliminary traffic figures. Overall, capacity increased by
9.4 percent, resulting in a load factor of 72.6 percent, compared to
73.7 percent in February 2003; a decrease of 1.1 percentage points.Jazz, Air Canada’s regional airline subsidiary, flew 0.8 percent less
revenue passenger miles in February 2004 than in February 2003, according to
preliminary traffic figures. Capacity increased by 5.5 percent, resulting in a
load factor of 59.4 percent, compared to 63.2 percent in February 2003; a
decrease of 3.8 percentage points.
“February’s overall traffic results were strong even excluding the
estimated 3.6 percentage point impact of the extra Leap Year day. Our system
load factor of 72.6 percent, in a seasonally slow month, was the second
highest among major North American carriers. Domestic traffic rose 8.5 percent
on higher transcontinental demand, noteworthy, given the large capacity
increases put on by our competitors,” said Rob Peterson, Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer.
“Growth on our Pacific routes reflected the new service to Delhi, while
rapid expansion to South American and leisure Sun destinations in addition to
strong demand, drove traffic up 42.2 percent in that market,” said Mr.
Peterson.
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