Record load factors at airlines
Major US airlines such as United and low-fare operations such as Independence Air are reporting record load factors for March.
Analysts attributed the development to lower prices and growing demand for travel.
“There’s more people traveling and fewer airplanes flying. That leads to a higher percentage of people, and fuller planes,” said Jenna Obluck, a spokeswoman for United.
She declined to predict whether the trend would continue but added: “Summer is coming up and in the summer we always experience higher load factors.”
United, the world’s second largest airline, recorded its highest-ever March load factor, averaging 83.1% full.
Similarly, low-fare carrier and newcomer Independence said its load factor in March was its highest ever at more than 70%.
Said Independence Chairman and Chief Executive Kerry Skeen:
“Nine months since the launch of Independence Air, we have achieved our first monthly load factor above 70%, which is a testament to the overwhelmingly positive reaction we’re receiving from our customers, as well as the dedication and enthusiasm of our employees.”
Delta Airlines said its March traffic increased 14.4% to over 80.1% in March, while US Airways reported a March increase of 9.6% to 80.7%.
That number was “the highest for any March in the history of the company,” said US officials.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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