KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia X Bhd registered a net profit of RM328 million for the first quarter ended March 31 2023.
The airline said its revenue was reported at RM548.8 million, marking a significant recovery of close to 50 per cent of the performance achieved in 2019.
The improved metrics are even more favourable as only two more additional aircraft were activated during the quarter, with another six aircraft in line to commence operations as of May 2023.
"Importantly, AirAsia X's shareholders' equity has demonstrated a positive turnaround to RM40.8 million, from a negative shareholders' equity of RM285.2 million in the preceding quarter, which now paves the way for AirAsia X to address its Practice Note 17 classification, subject to regulatory approval."
In terms of costs, the cost per available seat kilometres (CASK) reduced by over 50 per cent to 6.50 sen compared to the same period in 2019, on the back of a revamped cost structure and rationalised capacity in the market.
While operating expenses increased in tandem with the ramp-up in operations in recent quarters, this was supported by the more favourable fuel environment and further softened by an increase in ASK.
Revenue per available seat kilometres (RASK) stood at 18.93 sen as the average base fare rationalised to RM785 on the back of more normalised capacity within the markets.
AirAsia X said the steady climb in earnings came on the back of a surge in passenger volume, the ramp up of aircraft activation and a stronger fare environment in recent quarters.
In 1Q23, the total number of passengers carried increased to 504,476 passengers, driven by new year holidays and spring season travel demand. This was further supplemented with the increase in seat capacity which grew to 630,069 seats, while available seat kilometres (ASK) surged to 2,899 millions.
The fleet reactivation strategy remains on track to support the ramp up of flight frequencies.
AirAsia X relaunched even more destinations to cater to the strong demand for international travel, recommencing flights to Osaka, Busan and Shanghai, on top of increasing its services to fly seven times weekly to Tokyo.
Overall, passenger load factor (PLF) was strong at 80 per cent with star performers Delhi and Tokyo posting close to 90 per cent PLF in 1Q23.
With the reopening of China for all travellers from early March 2023, AirAsia X is optimistic about the upcoming opportunities to launch more flights into the country, which has always been one of the airline's strongest markets.
AirAsia X chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail said: "Our strategy to resume services to our core markets in line with demand remains on track. Today, AirAsia X services 16 destinations with up to 83 flights weekly. In the coming quarters, the team will further ramp up flight frequencies and is looking to launch more destinations to China while reviewing new services to Istanbul and potentially Central Asia."
He added that its key priority remained to ensure that more aircraft were activated within the stipulated timeline with all safety requirements fulfilled.
"We have been actively engaging with third-party aircraft lessors for the induction of additional aircraft to join AirAsia X's growing fleet. We are pleased to confirm that as of May 2023, AirAsia X has 17 aircraft within its fleet, with 11 activated and operational."