Off to a Roaring Start: HK Express Achieves 91% Load Factor in January
Hong Kong, 17 Feb, 2017
Hong Kong’s low-fare airline HK Express is pleased to report outstanding performance in the first month of 2017, achieving a record-setting 91% load factor in January. This follows an impressive 89% average load factor for the past 12 months – an indication that HK Express is operating near full capacity on every flight.
HK Express also reported stronger year-on-year passenger growth in the month of January, flying 288,409 guests in January 2017 which represents a 21.22% increase compared to the same month last year. The low-fare airline flew 2,959,946 guests over the past 12 months, marking a 26.56% increase compared to the previous 12 months ending January 2016.
Bolstering the positive start to the year is excellent response to HK Express’ new U-Biz corporate programme targeted at the business travellers and U-Fly Pass, both launched in 2016. With these initiatives, ancillary revenue hit 23.53% of total revenue in January 2017, contributing substantially to the business. Ancillary revenue for the past 12 months reached 23.10%, rising 5.03% compared to the previous 12 months ending January 2016 with 18.07%.
Guest complaint rates remained at a low 0.10% in January, a 65.52% decrease compared to the year before. On-Time Performance (OTP) remained fairly strong at 75.4% in January, with an average OTP rate of 76.8% over the past 12 months, maintaining its reputation as one of Asia’s most punctual airlines.
HK Express also welcomed its second A320neo in January, bringing the total fleet size to 19 aircraft. The low-fare airline has a further 20 new aircraft in the order pipeline.
We’re encouraged by the positive response to our growing stable of ancillary services including our U-Fly Pass and U-Biz corporate programme, which gives our guests even more choice and value, says Andrew Cowen, Director and CEO of HK Express. “As we continue to expand our offering, we remain committed to maintaining this strong performance and our position as Asia’s most convenient, affordable and reliable low-fare airline.
| 12 Months to 31/1/2017 | Month of January 2017 | Average OTP Year-to-date* |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Guests Flown | 2,959,946 | 288,409 | - |
| % Change vs Last Year | 26.56% | 21.22% | - |
| Load Factor | 89% | 91% | - |
| On-time Performance* | 76.8% | 75.4% | 75.4% |
| Ancillary Revenue % | 23.10% | 23.53% | - |
| Guest Complaint Rate** | 0.11% | 0.10% | - |
| Guest Complaint Rate** % Change vs last year |
- | - 65.52% | - |
* Departures <15 minutes of scheduled departure time from Hong Kong (industry standard measure of punctuality)
** Guest Complaint Rate is calculated based on the number of complaint case per number of carried Guests.