Malta International Airport plc - 2013 Traffic Results & Forecast for 2014

On 23 January, Malta International Airport plc issued a company announcement and held a press conference announcing the 2013 traffic results and the  passenger movement forecast for 2014. MIA’s CEO Mr Markus Klaushofer explained that passenger volumes in 2013 were at an all-time record in each of the 12 months leading to an annual increase of 10.5% to 4.03 million passenger movements. In this respect, Mr Klaushofer highlighted the fact that, in 2013, MIA managed to also grow its passenger numbers in the shoulder months, particularly in October and November, which are traditionally the weaker performers. The CEO also pointed out that passenger movements registered record volumes for the fourth consecutive year and the fifth record in the last six years as the Company continued with its efforts to attract airlines to Malta.

The growth achieved in 2013 was due to the 10.2% increase in seat capacity to over 5.1 million seats coupled with a marginal increase in the seat load factor to 78.5%. Similarly, aircraft movements increased by 9.1% during 2013 to 30,759.

Mr Klaushofer stated that AirMalta remained the largest carrier as it accounted for 43.7% (2012: 45.5%) of overall traffic. Air Malta registered a 6% increase in passenger numbers during 2013 to 1.76 million. The low-cost carrier Ryanair registered an increase 19.3% to 1,104,510 passenger movements following improved performances in the routes they operate. Ryanair now accounts for 27.4% of passenger movements, up from 25.4% in 2012. On the other hand, Easyjet registered a 1.9% decline in passengers to 313,617 movements. Nonetheless, this low-cost airline still has a market share of 4.8% (2012: 8.8%).

Mr Klaushofer also stated that MIA’s main markets for 2013 were the UK (28.6% of market share), Italy (18.1%) and Germany (14.4%). In this respect, the CEO highlighted the growing market diversification and the resultant reduced dependency on the UK market which historically had been closer to the 40% level.

MIA is forecasting that passenger numbers for 2014 will be 2% higher than those registered in 2013 to yet another annual record of over 4.1 million passengers on the back of a further 2.6% growth in seat capacity to 5.3 million seats. The growth in passenger numbers is largely based on the introduction of four new routes, as follows: British Airways to Gatwick, London; flyNiki to Vienna; Transavia to Nantes; and Vueling to Rome.

Furthermore, in anticipation of further passenger growth, MIA is planning a number of investments totalling around €3.6 million. The CEO explained that the airport operator will be expanding the apron and taxi way; extending the baggage handling in the check-in area; enhancing the non-schengen area (in line with its focus of attracting tourists from Eastern Europe); as well as investing in new security technology in line with EU regulations. Meanwhile, Mr Klaushofer also noted that the airport operator will also be maintaining its airline incentive scheme which is expected to cost around €5.4 million.

Download the full presentation made by MIA on the 2013 Traffic Results & the 2014 Passenger Forecast