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