Swiss Airlines carried 8.1 percent more passengers in 2011, with up to 15.3 million passengers choosing to fly with the carrier last year compared to 14.2 million the prior-year.

According to figures released by the carrier, the increase in passenger was assisting by a 6.2 percent rise in flights operated for the period from 141 405 in 2010 to 150 131 last year.

Despite the increase seat load factor fall 0.5 points from 82.3 percent to 81.8 percent while available seat kilometres increased 7.7 percent from 35 873 to 38 627.

Meanwhile the carrier’s cargo load factor also experienced a drop, falling 2.6 points from 81.1 percent to 78.5 percent.

The carrier said it will announce its financial results for 2011 on 15 March.

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