Influenza Pandemic: Airlines See Steep Fall In Passengers

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INFLUENZA PANDEMIC

Airlines see steep fall in passengers

By The Nation

Published on July 16, 2009

But film-goers, people using the Skytrain undeterred

Like other airlines, Thai Airways International has witnessed a sharp drop in passenger numbers from the type-A (H1N1) influenza pandemic.

So far in Thailand, the disease has claimed 25 lives and sickened 4,000.

With concern growing, the Major Cineplex Group, Thailand's largest cinema operator, may take more stringent measures, such as temporary closure of theatres and cancellation of events.

However, almost all concert organisers are sticking to their schedules, because the government has not yet made it compulsory to cease all public activities.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said no such order had been given because the government was worried about the economic impact. Since the outbreak began, even the World Health Organisation has said the suspension of economic and social activities must be thoroughly studied. The economic cost of such suspensions in some countries has amounted to Bt100 billion a week, but once activities resumed, the flu began spreading anew.

He said it was best for now to delay such harsh widespread measures. Instead, anyone exhibiting symptoms of the disease - particularly students - should remain at home.

However, South Korea yesterday cancelled all international events even though it has seen no deaths from the type-A (H1N1) virus.

The cancelled activities include an international youth festival planned for next week, an international festival of percussion instruments in Sacheon and an international exhibition of tea bowls in Gimhae. A world choir contest was scrapped halfway through on Sunday, and 2,000 students from 192 schools who were participating were told not to go to school for a while.

Meanwhile, with type-A (HiN1) flu spooking travellers, Thai Airways International (THAI) has suffered a drop in passenger numbers, particularly from East Asia, with Chinese, Japanese and South Korean flyers down 15-20 per cent, said executive chairman Wallop Bhukkanasut.

"The outbreak of type-A (H1N1) influenza is threatening international travel and affecting THAI's business directly."

Other airlines have also seen passenger numbers decline. Bangkok Airways, the major operator of Bangkok-Koh Samui flights, has reported low bookings on that route even with the high season starting next month. It has lowered its passenger forecast this year to 2.6 million, due to the pandemic. Last year, it flew 2.5 million and had expected to serve 2.8 million this year.

"We're not sure whether we'll show a profit this year. That all depends on second-half operations," said ML Nandhika Varavarn, vice president for corporate communications.

In the first 15 days of this month, passenger numbers were down 18.5 per cent year on year, lowering the average load factor to 70 per cent. Foreign tourists, who make up 80-85 per cent of Bangkok Airways passengers, contributed to the drop.

Nandhika is hopeful bookings will recover in the second half of the month and in August. At present, the airline does not plan to adjust its marketing strategy.

Even though passengers could slightly exceed last year's level, revenue will remain at last year's Bt7.5 billion despite average growth of 20 per cent in recent years. The gross profit margin, which is usually 20 per cent, is expected to fall by 15-20 per cent, due to promotions.

Even though airlines are suffering, Major Cineplex vice CEO Anavach Ongvasith said the number of film-goers at the company's branches remained unchanged, due partly to the screening of blockbuster films and hygienic measures applied to all of its cinemas, bowling alleys and karaoke parlours.

He said business in the second half would depend on confidence in preventive measures, which must be carried out jointly by the government, private companies and the public.

The government needs to take into account the economic damage that would result from closing cinemas, but if it is deemed genuinely necessary, operators are ready to follow the order, Anavach said.

Most of the entertainment events being held in the next two weeks have confirmed their schedules, with almost none cancelled or postponed. The lone exception is Spicy Disc's charity concert, "This Way to Heaven", which was scheduled for July 25. It has been rescheduled for August 30, and tickets can be refunded at Thaiticketmajor.

Among the big gigs are This Is Click's charity concert, "What Women Worth", at the Cultural Centre on Sunday; BEC-Tero's "Cookin' Nanta" from South Korea, at Siam Paragon between next Wednesday and July 26; and GMM Grammy's Thongchai "Bird" McIntyre in "Fancy Fanson" at Muang Thong Thani's Impact Arena from July 31 to August 2.

Most Bangkokians have carried on as usual despite fear of the new flu. Skytrain operator Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) said daily commuter numbers remained at 430,000.

Anat Arbhabhirama, an adviser to BTS board, attributed that to hygienic measures implemented since the flu first began spreading in Mexico.

-- The Nation 2009/07/16

[yabaaaa]

Arent you just sick of the idiots walking round in Bangkok with face masks on? They havent got a clue how they will pick up this flu . First off the masks always have an air gap down the side of their noses where the mask cannot seal, second every door handle they touch they can pick it up on. I always make a point of coughing loudly now when I pass one of them.

Gee its killed 25 wonder how many in the same time died on the roads?

Edited July 16, 2009 by yabaaaa

[Lopburi99]

Gotta admit I am not thrilled at the prospect of spending 26+ hours next week in planes or airports coming back to LOS, and I never have worried about such things.