Grupo Aeromexico Reports 4.9 Percent Increase in Passenger Numbers for January-August Period

MEXICO CITY, Sept. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Aeromexico S.A.B de C.V. ("Aeromexico") (BMV: AEROMEX), the largest intercontinental airline in Mexico, reports operating statistics for August, 2012.

Grupo Aeromexico transported 9 million 900 thousand passengers in the first eight months of 2012, which represents a 4.9% year-on-year increase driven by a 7.8% increase in international passenger traffic and a 3.9% increase in domestic passenger traffic. The Company transported one million 293 thousand passengers in August 2012, which represents 0.6% year-on-year growth for the month. Domestic passenger traffic grew 0.7%, while international passenger traffic grew 0.3%.

It is important to note that during the month the temporary closure of runways to carry out maintenance works at Mexico City airport, Grupo Aeromexico's main hub, resulted in the cancellation of over 400 flights, equivalent to 1.7 days of operation at said airport.

The Company's demand, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPKs), increased 5.2% and capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometers (ASKs) increased 6.9% in the first eight months of the year. Therefore, the load factor for that period was 77.4%. In August, Grupo Aeromexico's RPKs increased 0.6%, and ASKs grew 6.1%, year-on-year. As a result, the load factor for the month was 75.4%.

According to the latest report published by the DGAC (Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil – Mexico's National Aviation Authority), in July of 2012, Grupo Aeromexico controlled 35% of the domestic market and 16% of the international market. In the first seven months of the year, Grupo Aeromexico's overall market share was 25%, with 39% of the domestic market and 13% of the international market.

DGAC's market share data is based on its Air Carrier Operational Statistics reports, which are published within one month of Grupo Aeromexico's operational statistics.

The information included within this report has not been audited and does not provide information on the Company's future performance. Aeromexico's future performance depends on many factors and it cannot be inferred that any period's performance or its comparison year-over-year will be an indicator of similar performance in the future.

Glossary:

• "RPKs" Revenue Passenger Kilometers represent one revenue-passenger transported one kilometer. This includes itinerary and charter flights. The total RPKs equals the number of revenue-passengers transported multiplied by the total distance flown.
• "ASKs" Available Seat Kilometers represent the number of available seats multiplied by the distance flown. This metric is an indicator of the airline's capacity. It equals one seat offered for one kilometer, whether or not the seat is used.
• "Load Factor" equals the number of passengers transported as a percentage of the number of seats offered. It is a measure of the airline's capacity utilization. This metric takes into account the total passengers transported and total seats available in itinerary flights.
• "Passengers" refers to the total number of passengers transported by the airline.

About Grupo Aeromexico
Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V. (Mexico: AEROMEX.MX) is a holding company whose subsidiaries are engaged in commercial aviation in Mexico and the promotion of passenger loyalty programs. It operates a fleet of Boeing 777, 767, and 737 jet airliners and next generation Embraer 145, 170 and 190 models. The Group began a major two-year expansion plan in 2011 that includes the incorporation of 20 new aircraft and properties.

Grupo Aeromexico operates its main hub out of Terminal 2 in the Mexico City International Airport. In 2011 the Group transported over 14 million passenger and offers over 600 daily flights to different cities in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central and South America, Europe and Asia. 

www.aeromexico.com

SOURCE Grupo Aeromexico S.A.B de C.V.