Air traffic continues its expansion in Brazil. According to data released by the National Airline Syndicate (SNEA), the sector transported 13.4% more passengers on domestic flights between January and March, 2005, than during the same period last year.
In consequence of the greater passenger volume, the flight occupancy rate rose from 62% in the first quarter of 2004 to 70% in the first quarter of this year. Moreover, the airlines increased the number of available seats by 1.4%.
International flights were even busier, transporting 16.7% more passengers during the period, with an average occupancy rate of 78%.
This year’s first quarter results sustain the growth registered last year, when domestic air traffic grew 11.9%.
The expansion observed since 2004 demonstrates that, although some airlines are experiencing crises, passenger activity continues to grow and generate earnings for the companies.
The SNEA data indicate that the majority of the market is dominated by only three companies, Gol, Tam, and Varig, which accounted for 97.93% of the total number of passengers transported during the first quarter of 2005.
Agência Brasil