British Airways Cautiously Optimistic Over Passenger Numbers

British Airways have reported a 1% increase in passenger numbers during the month of July compared to the same time a year ago, as share prices increased as it spoke of further gains expected during the summer.

The airline, which last week reported its first ever Q2 loss, said that there were no signs of a quick industry recovery, but showed positive signs as its load factor rose by 3.1% to 84.6%.

“Underlying volumes and seat factors are expected to improve in the peak summer months,” the carrier said, while passenger numbers were still declining, falling 11% on this year.

Group head of investor relations, George Stinnes, said that while the summer was looking good, the airlines still had no way of knowing how it would fare in September, one of the most important months.

“People are tending to book much, much later — September is a big month for business travel but with late bookings, its hard to see how that will come across,” he said.

World airline share prices were up yesterday following a positive traffic figures from US carriers.

BA’s share price went up by 7.1%, making a 25% increase over the past month, while discount carrier Ryanair’s load factor went up to 89%, 19% higher than lost month.

Thanks to Reuters for the above quotes.