IN A further sign that passengers are returning to the skies, Sydney Airport has recorded double-digit increases in domestic and international passenger numbers in February, owner MAp Group says.
Sydney Airport's domestic passenger numbers rose 12.3 per cent last month compared with the prior corresponding period, while the number of international travellers was up 11.8 per cent, MAp Group said yesterday.
MAp chief executive Kerrie Mather said increased capacity on Tiger Airways and Jetstar contributed to the lift.
''February traffic has also been positively impacted by … the later timing of Chinese New Year compared with 2009,'' Ms Mather said.
Traffic from China rose 31 per cent in February, compared with the same month a year ago. Passenger numbers from the US were up 20 per cent, from France up 18 per cent and from New Zealand up 15 per cent. The number of Australian-based passengers increased by 11 per cent.
MAp Group is a former Macquarie Group satellite fund that became a stand-alone entity in October.
MAp securities were 3¢ lower at $3.05 yesterday.
AAP
