HKIA: Passenger volume, Air traffic movements reach new highs in Jul-2010

Passenger throughput and aircraft movements were up 17.5% and 14.7% from a year ago, reaching new monthly highs of 4.7 million and 26,720 respectively. Cargo tonnage also jumped 24.5% year-on-year to 363,000 during the period.

Passenger traffic to/ from the Mainland and South East Asia performed particularly well last month. While overall visitor number registered a 29% yearly increase, Hong Kong resident traffic rose 21% against July 2009.

On the air cargo front, almost all of Hong Kong's major trading markets showed yearly double-digit growth in July. Exports, especially those to North America and Europe, continued to be the dominant growth driver, surging 36% over the same period last year. Import and transshipment volume also saw year-on-year growth of 23% and 2% respectively.

Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, "The market rebound during the summer holiday travel season has been particularly strong. July saw a high average load factor of close to 80% for passenger flights at HKIA. To meet increased demand, both foreign and base carriers have been active in adding more flights, launching new destinations, or restoring flights that had been suspended during the financial crisis. All these increased aviation activities will further strengthen the airport's position as an international and regional aviation centre."

According to the latest report by Airports Council International, HKIA has retained its position as the world's busiest international cargo airport for the 14th consecutive year and handled the world's third largest international passenger volume in 2009.

Meanwhile, robust demand has seen cargo throughput at HKIA increase 33.3% year-on-year to 2.3 million tonnes over the first seven months of 2010. Cumulative passenger volume for the period reached 29.2 million after rising 10.4%. Air traffic movements grew 6.3% to 171,650.