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AAPA airlines recorded a passengers’ progression of 2.7 percent in October, a number likely to be bolstered by the coming winter holiday of November and December.
KUALA LUMPUR – Preliminary traffic figures for the month of October released today by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed a continuation of established trends, with growth in international passenger traffic, but weakness in air cargo demand.
In aggregate, Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined total of 17.0 million international passengers in October, a 2.7% increase compared to the same month last year. Measured in revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, international passenger traffic grew by 2.1%, underlining continued strength for regional routes. Available seat capacity increased by just 0.9%, resulting in a 0.9 percentage point increase in the average international passenger load factor to 76.6% for the month.
International air cargo demand, expressed in freight tonne kilometre (FTK) terms, declined by 5.8% year-on-year in October, a reflection of overall weakness in air cargo markets. Offered freight capacity was reduced by 6.1%, leaving the average international air cargo load factor almost unchanged at 67.4%.
Commenting on the results, Mr. Andrew Herdman, AAPA Director General said, “During the first ten months of the year, Asia Pacific carriers were encouraged by the 6.9% growth seen in international passenger demand. However, traffic numbers for the month of October indicate a continuation of the slower growth trend already apparent in the third quarter of the year, with regional traffic holding up relatively well, but some softening of demand for long-haul travel markets.”
“Global air cargo markets are still depressed, with volumes for the first ten months of the year 4.0% down on last year’s levels. Overall, the air cargo market is characterized by weak demand and excess capacity, maintaining downward pressure on rates.”
Mr. Herdman concluded, “Asia Pacific airlines are still facing a very challenging operating environment, clouded by uncertainties over the global economic outlook. Competitive market pressures, and the impact of persistently high fuel prices, have pushed up breakeven load factors, and are spurring further efforts to deploy newer more fuel-efficient aircraft, whilst carefully managing overall capacity.”
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
