Punto Azul Reports 74% Load factors for the month of August 2014

September 12, 2014, Malabo: Punto Azul, has released it August 2014 passenger statistics reporting a 74% load factor with 11,866 passengers uplifted. Compared to August 2013 passenger figures, this represents 46% increase in the number of passengers.

The domestic sector of Malabo – Bata recorded a strong performance with capacity increasing by 5.1% with 14,400 seats flown; 700 seats more than July 2014. However, regional flights to Douala and Accra performed less than expected owing to the restrictions imposed due to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

While commenting on the performance, the airline’s Managing Director, Mr. Paul Richards said, “I am pleased with our on time performance track record with remains at 94%. We are seeing a very strong domestic demand continuing to drive our performance, I hope the regional flights outlook will change positively once concerns about Ebola are addressed and we can serve these destinations again.”

The airline has consistently recorded strong growth over the past year with available seat miles (ASM) increasing by 47% from August 2013 compared to August 2014. Revenue passenger miles (RPM) went up 50% over the same period while passenger revenues rose 126% from August 2013 compared to August 2014.

Punto Azul provides a vital link to the domestic destinations Malabo – Bata and regional destinations of Douala and Accra with plans to launch flights to Nigeria, Gabon, and Cameroun among other key Central and West African destinations. Currently, the airline utilizes its spare capacity by running charter operations apart from the scheduled flights.