ASIA PACIFIC. Asia Pacific airlines carried a total of 25.2 million international passengers in May – a +5.4% year-on-year increase.
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) said the “solid expansion” reflected positive business and consumer sentiment across advanced and emerging market economies.
Demand as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) grew by +9.4% on the back of the strength of demand in long haul travel markets. The average international passenger load factor increased by 2.2 percentage points to 77.4% for the month, after accounting for a +6.4% expansion in available seat capacity.
AAPA Director General Andrew Herdman commented: “During the first five months of the year, the number of international passengers carried by Asia Pacific airlines increased by +5.8% to an aggregate total of 129 million.
“The ongoing pick-up in the global economy, accompanied by increased consumer and investment spending has provided a boost to both international air passenger and air cargo markets.
“The outlook for both air passenger and air cargo markets remains positive, supported by broad-based expansion across sectors. However, airline profitability remains constrained by competitive yield pressures and higher operating costs. Fuel prices, in particular, have risen by +38% to average US$53 per barrel during the first five months of the year.
“Given the still challenging operating environment, airlines remain focused on disciplined cost management efforts throughout the business, whilst pursuing further growth opportunities.”
