Brisbane Airport’s records off the charts for April

22/05/2009

Brisbane Airport continues to show record growth despite the economic situation, with approximately 1.6 million passengers passing through the Domestic and International Terminals over April, which is a 4.5% increase on April 08.

A breakdown for April shows international passengers were up a massive 6.9% and domestic a solid 3% for the month.

Brisbane Airport Corporation Pty Limited (BAC) General Manager Commercial Services Gert-Jan de Graaff, said Easter and the holiday period helped to drive up passenger numbers but the airline sale prices have also contributed strongly to the growth.

“All the airlines shared in passenger growth in April, but those with special airfares and packages are the ones experiencing the strongest growth” said Mr de Graaff.

“There is no doubt that with lower airfares and more choices, air travel now rates very much as a discretionary purchase alongside concert tickets, a new TV or a big night out”.

The ten months leading up to April saw Brisbane Airport’s international passenger numbers up 1.4% and domestic travel up 3%, indicating the resilience and strength of the aviation industry in a difficult market.

“We know airlines are doing it tough, essentially having to focus on cash and costs, but they’re still keeping the planes full at the expense of yield.”

Brisbane Airport’s catchment area which is 4.5 million people across Queensland and Northern NSW is also benefiting from recently introduced international services such as those from Cathay Pacific, Emirates and Pacific Blue.

“There is now no need to travel overseas via Sydney or Melbourne airports anymore,” Mr de Graaff said.

“With the growth in airline capacity and frequency here at Brisbane almost anywhere in the world is no more than just one stop away – ‘The World’s Your Oyster’ as we say”.