Skywest passengers fall in September after slump
SKYWESTAIRLINES, the Australian budget carrier, said yesterday it had carried 8.55 per cent fewer passengers last month than it did in September 2008.
The airline said 30,000 people flew in September, down from 33,000 in 2008, but its load factor – which measures how full its planes are – rose 1.4 per cent to 54.16, from 52.76 per cent the year before.
Skywest’s announcement comes a week after UK flag carrier British Airways (BA) said it carried 0.8 per cent fewer passengers in September compared with the same month a year ago.
But UK-based budget airlines are winning in the downturn, as customers ditch full-service carriers for cheaper rivals.
EasyJet said last week it carried 5.3 per cent more passengers in September year-on-year, while Ryanair said it had carried 17 per cent more passengers.