Sydney International Airport has reported international passenger traffic up +5.8% to 1.348m for the month of October and by +7.4% to 13.1m for the first 10 months of 2017.

 

By contrast, domestic passenger numbers grew by +2.8% to 2.4m in October and by 1.4% to 22.5m in the first 10 months of 2017.

 

Commenting on the results, outgoing Sydney Airport Managing Director and CEO Kerrie Mather said: “October international passenger growth remains strong at 5.8% versus the prior corresponding period (pcp).

 

RECORD 43M PAX THROUGH THREE TERMINALS…

“This growth continues to be driven by seat capacity increases from new and existing airline customers, in addition to strong load factors. Domestic passenger growth also performed solidly in October, up 2.8%, reflecting growth in both load factors and capacity.

 

“Sydney Airport has for the first time facilitated a record 43 million passengers through its three terminals over the last 12 months, the continued strong growth in international passengers is fantastic for the NSW economy and we continue to invest in our terminals and airfield to ensure we are providing our passengers with a world class customer experience.”

 

 

 

Turning to future additional services, Mather pointed to the arrival of Tianjin Airlines’ new triangulated service between Tianjin-Zhengzhou-Sydney (starting on 29 January 2018). This new service will operate twice weekly on a 260-seat A330 aircraft, adding approximately 27,000 seats a year to the region.

 

Tianjin is China’s fourth largest city, and has the world’s sixth largest population, with well over 15 million residents. The service will provide an important connection given Tianjin’s status as a gateway and seaport for Beijing. Tianjin represents the 16th Chinese mainland city pair served at Sydney Airport.”

 

Tianjin Airlines’ Vice President Mr Wu Hao said: “Tianjin Airlines will be the first airline to service the new route from Zhengzhou to Sydney. We hope to provide convenient flight services for people from the central part of China to visit Sydney and Australia.

 

“We also expect the people of Sydney to enjoy having direct flight access to Zhengzhou, a beautiful city with an extensive and profound history.”