Carriers cut Thailand passenger targets

Japan Airlines' passenger numbers declined by more than 10 per cent from 70-80 per cent in the same period last year. This is the deepest fall in its 20 years of operating in Thailand.

Swiss International said its passenger-load factor had plunged from 90 per cent to 70 per cent during the first half. The load factor is expected to fall further due to domestic political instability.

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways reported that passenger numbers into Thailand had dropped 10 per cent in the period, while revenue had declined 30 per cent.

Some airlines such as Lufthansa have decided to postpone plans to use the Airbus A380 super-jumbo to service Thailand, due to falls in load factors.

The global economic crisis and domestic political instability are the major factors for the sharp dip in traffic, airline experts said.

Maria Preeprem, Lufthansa airport services manager, said the carrier's passenger-load factor had dropped from 80-90 per cent a year ago to 70-80 per cent, as many travellers are avoiding the Kingdom.

"We have revised business plans for Thailand by retaining the current 747-400 instead of using the bigger A380 aircraft, as planned," she added.