Cathay Pacific A350
Asia Pacific Airlines continued its strong growth trajectory in August, with both passenger and cargo markets demonstrating resilience and continued strength.
According to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), the region’s carriers transported a total of 32.3 million international passengers in August, representing a 21.7% increase compared to the same month last year.
This sustained growth pushed traffic volumes to 96.1% of pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the industry’s ongoing recovery.
Key Figures
- Passenger Traffic: Increased by 21.7% year-on-year to 32.3 million passengers in August.
- Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK): Up by 20.7% year-on-year.
- Available Seat Kilometers (ASK): Up by 19.7% year-on-year.
- Passenger Load Factor: Increased by 0.7 percentage points to 83.2%.
- Air Cargo Demand (FTK): Increased by 12.2% year-on-year.
- Available Freight Tonne Kilometers (FATK): Up by 10.4% year-on-year.
- Freight Load Factor: Increased by 0.9 percentage points to 59.6%.
Moreover, the air cargo sector also exhibited sustained strength, with international air cargo demand surging by 12.2% year-on-year. The consistent increase in e-commerce activity, coupled with ongoing disruptions to maritime shipping, continued to fuel demand for air freight services.
Positive Outlook for the Year
The Asia Pacific airline industry’s positive momentum has signaled further growth in the coming months. The region’s carriers have successfully navigated challenges and demonstrated adaptability, leading to a strong recovery from the pandemic.
While supply chain disruptions remain a concern, the outlook for the aviation market remains optimistic due to the continued expansion of air connectivity and less restrictive visa policies.
Challenges, Opportunities
However, the industry continues to face challenges such as delays in aircraft deliveries, shortages of spare parts, and a lack of skilled labor, which have contributed to flight disruptions and increased operational costs.
To mitigate these challenges, airlines are carefully managing flight frequencies, routes, and schedules while maintaining stringent safety standards.
AAPA Director General’s Response
Commenting on the results, Mr. Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General said, “During the first eight months of the year, the region’s carriers saw a 36% growth in the number of international passengers carried reaching a total of 240 million, boosted by increased air connectivity and less restrictive visa policies.”
“During the same period, international air cargo demand surged by 15% year-on-year, driven by several key factors, including a thriving e-commerce sector. Disruptions in ocean freight logistics also encouraged modal shifts from sea to air, as businesses sought faster and more reliable transport alternatives.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Menon said, “Supported by ongoing expansions in connectivity, travel demand is expected to remain healthy on routes within and across the regions. Similarly, the outlook for air cargo markets is positive, with businesses replenishing inventories in preparation for the year-end festive season.”
Mr. Menon added, “Nevertheless, persistent supply chain disruptions continue to pose challenges to the region’s carriers. Delays in aircraft deliveries, shortages of spare parts and lack of skilled labour have heightened operational pressures, contributing to flight disruptions, and further increasing costs. Faced with such external pressures, airlines are carefully managing flight frequencies and schedules, without compromising the industry’s excellent safety standards.”
Conclusion
The Asia Pacific airline industry’s strong performance in August reinforces the positive outlook for the remainder of the year.
The region’s carriers are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for air travel and cargo services while navigating the challenges posed by supply chain disruptions and other external factors.
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