April 15- Etihad Airways issued a press release Wednesday announcing it achieved a 25.4 percent growth in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) in the first quarter of 2010, far higher than the industry average. RPK is an important indicator assessing an airlines’ revenue levels. Etihad said it may achieve a 22 percent growth in another key indicator, available seat kilometers in the first quarter of 2010. The press release said growth figure are compared to the first quarter of 2009. Improvements in ASK and RPK figures were also matched by an increase in seat factors, from 73 percent to 75 percent, according to the release. Etihad did not disclose the airlines’ revenue levels in the first quarter.
Etihad Airways’ passenger numbers increased 11 percent and premium traffic increased five percent despite the ongoing economic downturn affecting many of its international markets. Passenger numbers were boosted by eight new routes launched throughout the year: Melbourne, Astana, Istanbul, Athens, Larnaca, Chicago, Cape Town, and Hyderabad.
The press release issued by Etihad Airways quoted Chief Executive Officer James Hogan as saying “These are encouraging figures. Despite operating in the worst air transport recession in history, Etihad has continued its growth trajectory. Our investment in our product and in our brand has helped us to attract higher number of passengers in both economy and premium cabins.”
