According to figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), Asia Pacific-based airlines carried 15.9 million international passengers in October, an 11.8% increased compared to the same month last year. The growth was driven by robust demand for business and leisure travel on Asian regional routes.
International passenger traffic measured in revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms was up by 8.2%, with available seat capacity too growing by 5.4%.
Andrew Herdman, director general of AAPA said: “The dynamic economies of Asia are powering ahead and so are its airlines. Passengers are back in numbers, and the return of premium class passengers is particularly welcome. The improving mix of business, coupled with disciplined capacity management, has seen Asian airlines leading the industry in returning to profitability.”
He also said: “The double digit traffic growth rates seen throughout 2010 are expected to gently ease back towards long-term trends, but with the region still delivering dynamic growth, the overall outlook for Asian carriers for the coming year remains very positive.”