KUALA LUMPUR (July 24): AirAsia X Bhd (KL:AAX) reported a 42% increase in passenger traffic, carrying 880,265 passengers in the second quarter of 2024 (2Q2024) from 621,984 in 2Q2023, driven by peak spring travel seasons and Eid holiday during the period.

In a statement on Wednesday, AAX said its available seat per kilometre (ASK) capacity for 2Q2024 rose by 25% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 4.4 billion from 3.51 billion in the same period last year.

This growth was attributed to the reactivation of aircraft to support its expanding network and meet growing demand, it said.

The passenger load factor (PLF) increased by seven percentage points y-o-y to 83%, driven by peak spring travel seasons and the Eid holiday during the quarter, it added.

“AirAsia X resumed operations to Xi’an in April, reinforcing its presence in this core market to five destinations including Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Shanghai,” the company said.

AAX also increased its flight frequencies between Kuala Lumpur and Bali to 14 times per week from nine times previously.

As of June 30, 2024, the fleet size remained at 18 A330s, with 16 aircraft activated and operational, from just 11 planes as at June 2023.

On its associate, AAX reported that AirAsia X Thailand recorded an 84% PLF during 2Q2024, driven by a higher number of passengers totalling 362,596. The ASK capacity increased by 3% y-o-y to 1.87 billion in 2Q2024.

“During the period under review, AirAsia X Thailand also reported a 7% y-o-y increase in the number of sectors to 1,156 as more flights were launched to cater to the rising demand within the market,” AAX added.

AirAsia X Thailand’s fleet size stood at seven A330s, with six aircraft activated and operational, up from five at end-June last year.

AAX shares closed one sen or 0.69% lower at RM1.43 on Wednesday, bringing its market capitalisation to RM639.31 million.