Preliminary traffic figures for the month of July released today by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed sustained growth in international air passenger markets.
Boosted by strong leisure travel demand during the holiday season, the region’s airlines registered a 7.6 per cent growth in the number of international passengers carried to a combined total of 31.4 million in July.
In revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, demand grew by 7.3 per cent, underscoring continued strength in short-haul travel markets. The average international passenger load factor climbed 1.2 percentage points higher to 82.7 per cent for the month, on a 5.7 per cent expansion in available seat capacity.
AAPA director general, Andrew Herdman said: “The solid pattern of growth seen in the first half of the year continued into the month of July, with Asian airlines reporting further increases in both international passenger traffic and air cargo volumes, sustained by broad-based growth in the global economy.”
“Overall, during the first seven months of the year, the number of international passengers grew by 7.9 PER CENT to a combined total of 207 million,” he added.
Looking ahead, Herdman said: “For the upcoming months, the global economic outlook remains positive, despite some concern that uncertainties over future trade policy could undermine business confidence internationally.
“On a more positive note, both the United States and China have announced expansionary fiscal measures, which should stimulate domestic demand in the advanced and emerging market economies, and hopefully mitigate any adverse impact from new tariff barriers.”
“Adapting to changes in consumer trends in a dynamic marketplace, Asian airlines are growing revenue through new product and service offerings. At the same time, airlines are making further improvements to operational efficiency in a bid to manage costs and maintain profitability.”
