PRELIMINARY traffic data for April 2023 released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (PA) indicates a sustained recovery in international passenger demand, highlighting the region's strong desire for travel, reports Sydney's Asian Aviation.
Collectively, Asia Pacific airlines experienced a remarkable 249.8 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of international passengers carried, reaching a total of 20.3 million in April.
Demand for air travel averaged 63.3 per cent in the corresponding month in 2019.
When measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), demand showed significant growth of 198.9 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Available seat capacity also expanded, although at a more moderate rate of 150.2 per cent, resulting in an impressive 13 percentage point increase in the average international passenger load factor, reaching 80 per cent for the month.
On the other hand, export activity remained subdued due to declines in new business orders and trade barriers arising from geopolitical tensions. The global easing of supply chain pressures further contributed to a shift towards maritime shipping.
Given this backdrop, air cargo demand, as measured by freight tonne kilometres (FTK), experienced a decline of 5.5 per cent year-on-year in April.
Despite a 10.4 per cent increase in offered freight capacity, the average international freight load factor notably dropped by 10.1 percentage points to 59.8 per cent for the month.
'The recovery in Asian travel markets is still strong, with traffic flows within the region and from the region experiencing robust growth. Overall, during the first four months of the year, Asia Pacific airlines carried a total of 74.2 million international passengers, a strong 438 per cent year-on-year jump compared to the previous corresponding period,' said PA director general Subhas Menon.
'By contrast, air cargo markets fell 11 per cent during the same period, underlining the challenging business environment amid rising uncertainty in global economic conditions.'
'Growth prospects for international passenger markets remain healthy, supported by positive trends in forward bookings over the coming months. While global economic growth is expected to moderate, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected Asia Pacific economies to record a combined 4.6 per cent increase in GDP this year, up from 3.8 per cent in 2022, with domestic demand supporting growth in business and leisure travel,' said Mr Menon.
'To meet strong recovery in demand, Asian airlines are working with aviation stakeholders to restore flights to various destinations while prioritising safety, sustainability, and travel convenience. Measures include staff recruitment, training, and investments in the digitalization of the travel process, to upkeep the service standards for which the region's airlines are known.'
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Collectively, Asia Pacific airlines experienced a remarkable 249.8 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of international passengers carried, reaching a total of 20.3 million in April.
Demand for air travel averaged 63.3 per cent in the corresponding month in 2019.
When measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), demand showed significant growth of 198.9 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Available seat capacity also expanded, although at a more moderate rate of 150.2 per cent, resulting in an impressive 13 percentage point increase in the average international passenger load factor, reaching 80 per cent for the month.
On the other hand, export activity remained subdued due to declines in new business orders and trade barriers arising from geopolitical tensions. The global easing of supply chain pressures further contributed to a shift towards maritime shipping.
Given this backdrop, air cargo demand, as measured by freight tonne kilometres (FTK), experienced a decline of 5.5 per cent year-on-year in April.
Despite a 10.4 per cent increase in offered freight capacity, the average international freight load factor notably dropped by 10.1 percentage points to 59.8 per cent for the month.
'The recovery in Asian travel markets is still strong, with traffic flows within the region and from the region experiencing robust growth. Overall, during the first four months of the year, Asia Pacific airlines carried a total of 74.2 million international passengers, a strong 438 per cent year-on-year jump compared to the previous corresponding period,' said PA director general Subhas Menon.
'By contrast, air cargo markets fell 11 per cent during the same period, underlining the challenging business environment amid rising uncertainty in global economic conditions.'
'Growth prospects for international passenger markets remain healthy, supported by positive trends in forward bookings over the coming months. While global economic growth is expected to moderate, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected Asia Pacific economies to record a combined 4.6 per cent increase in GDP this year, up from 3.8 per cent in 2022, with domestic demand supporting growth in business and leisure travel,' said Mr Menon.
'To meet strong recovery in demand, Asian airlines are working with aviation stakeholders to restore flights to various destinations while prioritising safety, sustainability, and travel convenience. Measures include staff recruitment, training, and investments in the digitalization of the travel process, to upkeep the service standards for which the region's airlines are known.'
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