SIA's passenger load factor up 3.7ppt to 80.8%

The growth was supported by the shift in Easter holiday.

Singapore Airlines registered a growth in its passenger load factor for the month of April.

According to the group, PLF improved 3.7 percentage points to 80.8% whilst passenger carriage increased 4.5% compared to last year, against a 0.2% decline in capacity.

"Supported by promotional activities and the shift in Easter holiday from March 2016 to April 2017, PLF improved for all regions. The restructuring in the Americas network contributed to PLF improvement, while Europe saw a recovery in passenger demand from last year's security fears that affected the region. The competitive landscape remains challenging and promotional efforts will continue in relevant markets," SIA said in its operating results report.

Here's more from the group:

SilkAir’s systemwide passenger carriage grew 8.9% year-on-year, lagging behind capacity growth of 12.6%. Consequently, PLF declined by 2.4 percentage points to 70.5%. Growth in passenger carriage did not match capacity growth to certain destinations in China and India, in particular.

Budget Aviation Holdings (BAH) recorded a 20.7% year-on-year increase in systemwide passenger carriage, trailing growth in capacity of 21.3%. Consequently, PLF declined by 0.5 percentage points to 84.7%. PLF edged up for East Asia and Rest of World regions, led by routes to Indonesia, Thailand and Australia.

West Asia region recorded a decline in PLF as traffic did not keep pace with the significant increase in capacity. During the month, BAH took delivery of its first 787-8 aircraft fitted with crew rest bunks, for long-haul services, which led to a widebody fleet of 13 aircraft, compared to 11 a year ago. Overall cargo load factor (CLF) was 2.3 percentage points higher with growth in cargo traffic (measured in freighttonne-kilometres) of 3.4% against overall capacity reduction of 0.3%. CLF improved across all regions except South West Pacific, as demand outpaced capacity changes.