Jat passenger decline eases

Jat still waiting for growth

Jat Airways has failed to put to an end to its sliding passenger numbers, recording lower figures for a fifth consecutive month, though the rate of decline has eased compared to previous months. Numerous flights were cancelled throughout June as a result of the carrier’s fleet shortage which had a direct impact on its figures. In June, Jat welcomed 134.624 passengers, a decrease of 0.3% compared to the same month last year. The average cabin load factor stood at 70%, down four points.

Services to Montenegro were hardest hit with the airline operating 23% fewer flights than last year. As a result, passenger numbers were down 9%. On Euro-Mediterranean flights the airline performed somewhat better with a 2% passenger decrease while the average load factor amounted to 70%. Charter services were once again the carrier’s strong point with a 23% passenger increase compared to the same month last year. In the first half of 2013, Jat handled 556.559 passengers, a decrease of 3%. The average cabin load factor over the past six months amounted to 68%, down from last year’s 72%. Overall, services to and from Montenegro have been most affected with a 15% decline in the number of operated flights resulting in a 9% passenger decrease.

In June, Jat’s busiest scheduled service was Paris, followed by Moscow in second place and Tivat in third. During last month, Jat’s fastest growing route, recording the biggest increase in passenger numbers, was Brussels. Similarly, Paris was the Serbian carrier’s busiest route in the first half of the year. Overall, Jat remains Belgrade Airport’s busiest airline, maintaining a market share of 37%.

Month	PAX	Change (%)	Average load factor (%)
JAN	77.962	▲ 4	63
FEB	61.341	▼ 2	59
MAR	82.395	▼ 1	70
APR	90.844	▼ 16	67
MAY	109.393	▼ 3	73
JUN	134.624	▼ 0.3	70