Cathay Pacific Airways said Monday that the airline recorded a 17.1 percent increase in the number of passengers carried and cargo grew a slower 3.1 percent over last year's same period.

In March the airline carried 1.26 million passengers, up from 1. 16 million in February, with an upturn in leisure travel over the Easter holiday and an inbound influx for the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament.

At the same time the airline carried 96,860 tons of freight in March, an 8.1 percent increase from 73,420 tons carried in February.

Cathay Pacific General Manager Revenue Management, Sales & Distribution Ian Shiu said:"a good Easter and the Rugby Sevens contributed to strong continued passenger growth."

He said, however, the competition and pricing on both regional and long-haul services remained keen, even on routes with high loads. Rising fuel prices continued to erode the bottom line as surcharges only partially covered the airline's additional costs.

Source: Xinhua