Malta International Airport plc - 2010 traffic results and forecast for 2011

On 25 January Malta International Airport plc held a press conference providing further details on the 2010 passenger traffic results and to provide a forecast for 2011. MIA’s CEO Mr Julian Jaeger explained that the traffic result for 2010 was an “absolute record result”. MIA managed to increase its passenger movements by 12.8% to a record figure of 3.29 million mainly due to the 10.6% increase in seat capacity following the introduction of new routes by various airlines. Aircraft movements also increased by 10% during 2010. Mr Jaegar stated that Air Malta was the major carrier at MIA contributing 51% of traffic (+2.6% passenger movements over 2009) followed by low-cost carriers Ryanair (traffic share of 20.5% and an increase of 52% in passenger numbers) and easyjet with a traffic share of 9.2% representing an increase of 66% in passengers over 2009. Mr Jaegar stated that MIA’s main markets for 2010 were the UK (31.4% of market share), Italy (19.5%) and Germany (12.8%).

MIA is forecasting that the passenger numbers for 2011 will be the same as those in 2010 i.e. a consolidation of the record number of 3.29 million passengers. Mr Jaegar stated that this forecast is based on various assumptions which include the fact that 2010 was a record year and therefore difficult to exceed. Moreover the 2011 forecast is based on the assumption that AirMalta will be using 11 aircrafts during the peak summer months while this forecast also includes the commencement of the Cruise and Fly operation from TUI Cruises in May and four new routes by easyjet, Lufthansa and airberlin.

Mr Jaegar also stated that the development of the Business Centre is proceeding according to plan and new tenants are expected to be signed up in the coming months.

The full presentation made by MIA is available for download.