MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Strong expansion of air traffic in Chile

International passenger traffic from and into Chile expanded 8,1% during the first quarter of 2005 compared to a year ago, according to the latest release from Chile's Civilian Aeronautics Agency.

Domestic traffic during June increased 10,3% totalling 221.437 passengers, over the same month a year ago, and the highest growth rate since July 2002.

The report shows that companies with over 90,000 passengers in the first quarter are Lan Airlines, Varig and American Airways which together concentrate 72% of the market.

Air Canada, Lan Peru, Pluna and Varig figure as the fastest growing air carriers with a 10% increase compared to the first quarter of 2004.

Travellers leaving Chile prefer as destinations, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Madrid, Miami and Lima, all with over 60,000 passengers.

Destinations above 20,000 passengers which have seen traffic drop include Dallas, Madrid, Atlanta, Montevideo and Mexico City.

As to domestic traffic the first half of 2005 recorded 1.514.660 passengers, 6% above the first half of 2004, with Sky Airlines reporting a steady, consistent monthly 1% increase.

Sky Airlines participation in its normal traffic increased to 24,4% from 23,6% in May. Similarly Aerolíneas del Sur market participation expanded to 5,1% in June from 4,7% the previous month, and if only the routes where the company actually flies its market share climbs to 11,9%.-