Passenger traffic was at the same level as last year on 5 percent lower capacity. As a result, passenger
load factor increased by 3.7 percentage points to 78.8 percent. On the intercontinental routes, business
class traffic increased by 1 percent on a 2 percent decrease in capacity.
North Atlantic load factor increased by 7.4 percentage points to 83.4 percent. Traffic was 11 percent
lower than last year, whereas capacity was 19 percent lower. The capacity decrease is a consequence
of KLM`s decision to accelerate the phase out of the Boeing 747-300-fleet. Today, the 747-300 will
operate its last flight for KLM.
On the Middle East/South Asia route area, traffic increased by 5 percent, while capacity was 5 percent
lower. As a result load factor increased by 7.2 percentage points to 74.6 percent. The higher traffic
volumes on this route area are mainly driven by the Gulf destinations.
On the Central and South Atlantic routes, traffic increased by 8 percent year-on-year on 1 percent higher
capacity. Especially the Latin American routes were driving the higher load factor of this route area. Load
factor increased by 5.1 percentage points to 79.6 percent.
Cargo traffic was at the same level as last year on 2 percent lower capacity. Cargo load factor increased
by 1.2 percentage points to 76.6 percent. Traffic outbound Europe continues to be weak.
Traffic on the Asia Pacific routes increased by 9 percent, while capacity was up 6 percent on last year.
As a result the cargo load factor improved by 1.8 percentage points to 90.6 percent.
North Atlantic cargo capacity was 11 percent lower, mainly as a result of less 747-300 combi aircraft
deployment. As traffic decreased by 9 percent, the load factor increased by 1.9 percentage points to
72.7 percent.
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