ASIA PACIFIC. Asia Pacific airline passenger numbers reached 52.1% of pre-pandemic 2019 levels in January, according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). The latest figures reveal steady growth in international passenger traffic on the back of strong travel demand in line with the easing of border restrictions, notably in North Asia.
Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined 17.2 million international passengers in the month, more than seven times the volumes recorded in January 2021, albeit from a low comparison base.
Traffic in January measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) jumped +466.9% against the same month of last year, underpinned by robust regional travel demand.
Available seat capacity also expanded markedly, but by a comparatively slower +195% year-on-year. As a result, the average international passenger load factor increased significantly, by 39.1 percentage points to 81.5% for the month, returning to levels seen only before the onset of the pandemic.
Assessing the results, AAPA Director General General Subhas Menon commented: “International passenger markets enjoyed a strong start to the year in 2023. Strong demand buoyed by an increase in leisure travellers during the Lunar New Year holidays in the region, saw the number of passengers carried by Asia Pacific carriers in January, rise to 52.1% of pre-pandemic traffic levels in 2019.”
Offering a view on the road ahead for the Asia Pacific aviation market, Menon said: “Notwithstanding the challenges brought on by the global economic uncertainty, growth prospects for passenger markets look positive for the year ahead. The desire to travel remains strong, with the latest forward booking trends pointing to sustained high demand.
“Nevertheless, cost pressures represent a key challenge to airline financial performance, driven by the elevated fuel prices and inflationary pressures on operating expenditure, including labour and maintenance.”
He added: “Overall, Asia Pacific airlines remain vigilant in striving for cost efficiencies whilst restoring flights in the COVID-19 recovery period.”
