Benefits of merger with VAL are evident in August figures, but statistics remain partial (242 words)

Published: 9/12/2001

Siberia Airlines (Sibir) has reported a 66% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic in August, carrying 200,406 passengers during the month. The company attributed the improvement to a generally buoyant market environment, a successful charter programme and the rather obvious contribution from the merger with Vnukovo Airlines (VAL), many of whose routes have been taken over by the Novosibirsk-based carrier. According to Sibir, VAL independently carried 102,117 passengers, representing a substantial decline on the 175,840 reported by VAL in August 2000. Sibir declined to reveal statistics allowing a true year-on-year comparison to be made, arguing that the method of VAL data collection in August 2000 rendered them incompatible with the Sibir figures. The company spokesman did say that the merger with Sibir had improved VAL's performance as it continues towards official completion in February-March 2002. However, already, the two airlines are operating largely as one. Sibir carried 921 tonnes of cargo in August 2001: an increase of 10%, despite a traditionally soft August market. Together with VAL, Sibir carried 1,350 tonnes (VAL carried 429 tonnes of cargo). The carrier's flights over the period grew by 44%, to 2,077 flights, split between 1,361 (Sibir) and 716 (VAL). Seat load factors for Sibir increased 4% year-on year-to 80.6%. VAL's seat load factor was 68.5%: a considerable decline on the 84.9% reported in August 2000.

Article ID: 2750