Winners and losers

B&H Airlines’ passenger numbers up by 133%

The national carrier of Bosnia and Herzegovina, B&H Airlines, is reporting a sensational start to the year with the airline increasing its passenger numbers by 133.7%, compared to the same period last year, official statistics say. It should be noted that the airline has increased its number of flights by 46.4%. More frequencies, improved marketing and a sounder product have led B&H Airlines to handle 17.258 passengers. From January 1 until the end of March, the airline operated a total of 340 regular flight and 9 charters. However, the national carrier still has one of the lowest load factors (cabin occupancy rates) in the EX-YU region, standing at only 49%.

On the other hand, it has been no secret that the “Big 3” in EX-YU aviation: Adria Airways, Croatia Airlines and Jat Airways have been having financial problems. The management of Croatia Airlines reported a loss of 100 million Kuna (13.7 million Euros) in the first quarter of 2010. The loss is 3 times greater than that for the same period last year. The airline registered a 7% decrease in passenger numbers for the first 3 months of the year, the “Poslovni.hr” business portal reports.