Figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) revealed a strong start to the year for the region. It reported ""healthy growth"" in both international passenger traffic and cargo markets, aided by a strong demand ahead of the Lunar New Year festival season.
Overall, the region carried a combined 27 million international passengers in January, a 49.4% increase from the same period a year prior. Traffic reached 82% of the pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) rose 48.3% year-on-year (YoY). Available seat capacity grew 51.3% YoY. International passenger load factor fell by 1.6 percentage points to an average of 79.9% for January.
International air cargo saw a surge in demand in January, measured in freight tonne kilometres, with a 22.5% increase YoY, bolstered by the Lunar New Year season. Growth in freight capacity also outpaced demand as belly-hold capacities increased with the recovery of international passenger travel. Offered freight capacity rose 25.8% in January YoY with the average international freight load factor decreasing 1.6 percentage point to 57.5%.
""The year started on a positive note for Asia Pacific airlines, as both international air passenger and cargo markets saw robust growth, supported by the timing of the Lunar New Year festive period,"" said AAPA director general Subhas Menon.
He added: ""The upcoming year looks broadly positive for Asian carriers, given the renewed optimism on the global economic outlook. However, as capacity restoration progresses, airlines face intensifying competition. In addition, the cost environment remains challenging, as inflationary pressures continue to be felt amid ongoing supply chain issues.""
Asia Pacific reports strong January traffic results
