AirCal Inc. Sets Record for Passengers

AirCal Inc. flew more passengers more miles last February than in any previous February in the Newport Beach airline’s history, the company reported last week. For the month, the airline tallied 118 revenue passenger miles, up 10% from 107.6 million in February, 1984.

Revenue passenger miles are the total miles flown by AirCal passengers.

With the addition of flights to the Northwest, AirCal’s passenger carrying capacity increased 18% from February, 1984. And although passenger boardings during last month rose 4%, to 300,910, from February, 1984, the airline’s planes were less full. Average passenger load per plane dropped to 52.9% from 56.8% during February, 1984.

AirCal’s passenger boarding in January also set records, continuing the airline’s two-year record-breaking streak as it bounces back from severe financial losses in 1982 and 1983.

AirCal chairman and chief executive William Lyon said the immediate future also looks bright for the company. “Our reservation sales activity is very strong for what is traditionally a slower period,” he said, “and we have more people booked for the future than for any similar period in our history.” He said that AirCal’s frugal fares, a discount fare requiring at least 30 days advance purchase of tickets along with other restrictions, has contributed to the strong advanced bookings.