Philippines AirAsia Inc. yesterday said its load factor grew by 9 percentage points to 86 percent in the third quarter this year driven by the 2.1 million passengers it carried during the period.
Data released by the AirAsia Group Berhad showed AirAsia Philippines grew its passenger volume by 33 percent to 2.1 million in July to September, compared with the 1.6 million passengers it flew last year.
The airline also expanded capacity by 19 percent in the third quarter as it launched new routes and increased flight frequency.
“AirAsia Philippines expanded capacity by 19 percent during the quarter on the commencement of new international routes and an increase in frequency on both domestic and international sectors,” it said.
For this year, AirAsia is projecting to achieve P29 billion revenues and P2 billion net income driven by increasing passenger volume which is targeted to reach 10 million by yearend.
The airline is expected to sustain market lead in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Kalibo, Caticlan and Bacolod.
It targets to double its current fleet to 50 in the next five years through acquisition of additional Airbus A320 and Airbus 330.
The airline, which started its Philippine operations in 2012, has a fleet of 23 Airbus aircraft catering to Philippine and foreign routes.
