According to preliminary traffic figures from
the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), international
passenger demand sustained strong upward momentum in September
2022 despite a worsening global economic outlook.
The number of international passengers carried by
the region’s airlines during the month surged to 11.7 million,
up from the 1.4 million registered in September 2021 and bringing
volumes to average 39% of the same month in 2019.
Demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK),
increased by 575.1% year-on-year, reflecting the strength of
regional travel markets.
After accounting for a 189.6% expansion
in available seat capacity, the average international passenger
load factor jumped by 44.6 percentage points to 78% for the
month, just 0.6 percentage points shy of corresponding
pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
International air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK),
recorded a double-digit decline of 10.4% year-on-year in
September. Offered freight capacity continued to
expand, by 5.9% for the month, leading to a 11.6 percentage point
fall in the average international freight load factor to 64%.
“Asian airlines are seeing encouraging
recovery in international travel demand and achieving load factors
close to pre-pandemic levels. Overall, the number of international
passengers carried grew by 448.7% during the first nine months of
the year, compared with the same period in 2021,” said Subhas Menon,
AAPA Director General. “On the other hand, a 4.4% decline in air
cargo demand was registered in the same period. The outlook for
the cargo market remains subdued in the near term. Overall, the
region’s airlines continue to face a challenging operating
environment, with operating costs under pressure as a result of
high fuel prices and weak local currencies.”
Thailand will host the 66th AAPA Assembly of
Presidents next month, when Asia Pacific airline leaders will meet
in person to discuss sustainability, the
state of the industry, future growth opportunities and the various
challenges facing the industry.
