Air travel shows signs of recovery

Air travel shows signs of recovery

KUALA LUMPUR: The number of passengers traveling on major airlines in the Asia-Pacific region more than doubled in May compared to the same month last year -- a sign that the industry has rebounded from the SARS crisis.

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines said preliminary figures showed 10.16 million passengers flew on its 17 members' planes during May, filling up 74 percent of available seats, more than double the 4.26 million passengers in May 2003.

The trade association represents Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, Dragonair, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qantas Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International and Vietnam Airlines. -- AP