ASUR retail flat in 2001 despite new openings

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Growth in commercial revenues at Mexican airports group ASUR (Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste) was flat last year. Non-aeronautical revenues slipped 1.3% to mirror a 1.8% decline in passenger traffic across all nine airports, with a 12.3% traffic decline in the final quarter.

Commercial revenues per passenger for the final quarter increased year-on-year by 17.6% to Ps11.91 ($1.29) with the opening of new commercial operators at Cancun airport in November and at Cozumel and Merida airports in the last weeks of December. ASUR also posted a 86% rise in food and beverage concessions for the quarter, mainly as a result of new concessions at Cancun.

Total group revenues for 2001 declined by 3.8%, ASUR announced yesterday. Both domestic and international passenger traffic decreased equally from September to December. The tourist airport of Cozumel experienced the greatest drop in passenger numbers, where traffic fell by 22% in the final quarter and 6% for the year ended 31 December.

Passenger traffic to and from the US to ASUR airports was the most affected following September 11, resulting in a year-over-year decline for the quarter of 20%. Passenger traffic to and from the US to ASUR airports for the months of October, November and December 2001, declined year-on-year by 27%, 21% and 14%, respectively.

ASUR said operations at Cancun airport's commercial centre have been satisfactory since its opening in November, with positive surprises in certain lines such as souvenirs and a slow but acceptable start for the duty-free operator Aldeasa. At Cozumel airport, a fast food restaurant and destination shops were opened. The duty-free shop there will begin operating this month.