Singapore Airlines (SIA) carried 1.63 million passengers in December; 6 per cent more compared to the same month in 2011. With the increase, the airline managed to fill over 82 per cent of total seats, compared to 80 per cent a year ago.

SIA said on Tuesday that the traffic boost came on the back of growth in the leisure passenger markets. Long-haul routes to and from Europe and the United States for example, led the gains due to strong year-end holiday travel demand.

Despite the traffic increase, the operating environment remains tough and yields continue to be hit with promotional activities needed to entice travellers, SIA said.

On the cargo side, business was weak with total volumes down 8 per cent year-on-year.