Cathay Pacific's November 2024 traffic figures reflect continued growth, with passenger numbers increasing by 23.1 per cent compared to the previous year. The airline expects strong performances through 2025, with an expanding network, a successful rebuilding effort, and a promising second-half financial outlook.
Cathay Pacific has reported strong traffic figures for November 2024 with impressive growth across passenger and cargo operations; the airline carried 2,010,506 passengers in November, marking a 23.1 per cent increase compared to the same month in 2023. This growth was mirrored in the airline's revenue passenger kilometres, which rose by 25.8 per cent.
Additionally, the passenger load factor improved by 3 per cent to 83.5 per cent, highlighting the growing demand for air travel. Year to date, Cathay Pacific has carried 20,578,324 passengers, reflecting a 27 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023. This positive growth trajectory underscores the airline's successful recovery and the resilience of the travel sector.
Lavinia Lau, the airline's Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, commented on the airline's performance: "November was another solid month for our travel business. Passenger volumes remained strong across our network, particularly on Japan and South Korea routes." She also noted that demand for premium cabins remained robust, driven in part by return business traffic following the conclusion of the Cabin Fair in Guangzhou. Intense transit traffic via Hong Kong also contributed significantly, especially to the Riyadh service, with many passengers connecting to regional ports, including Mainland China.
Looking forward Lau also highlighted the airline's ongoing rebuilding efforts, with Cathay Pacific and HK Express set to operate 100 per cent of pre-pandemic flights from January 2025. The airline has also expanded its network, adding new destinations and increasing connectivity for its passengers. Financially, Cathay Pacific projects a strong second half 2024, driven by sustained demand and reduced fuel prices, which will support continued growth in the coming year.
