Asia Pacific Airlines carried 28.9 million international passengers in June

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has reported that preliminary data for June 2024 shows robust growth in international air passenger markets, fueled by healthy demand for air travel approaching the peak summer holiday season.

Overall, Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined total of 28.9 million international passengers during the month, a 21% year-on-year increase and 90.2% of the corresponding month in 2019.

Demand in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) grew by 23.8% year-on-year, almost matching the 24% expansion in available seat capacity. As a result, the international passenger load factor edged 0.2 percentage points lower to average 82.2% in June.

International air cargo demand also expanded strongly during the month, in tandem with a pick-up in manufacturing activity across the Asian economies, including China and India.

International air cargo demand, as measured in freight ton kilometers (FTK), increased by 16.4% year-on-year in June. Rising e-commerce appetite and security concerns in the Red Sea spurred demand for air freight shipments. After accounting for a 12.6% growth in offered freight capacity, the average international freight load factor climbed 2.0 percentage points higher to average 62.8% for the month.

“During the first half of the year, the region’s airlines carried a combined total of 173 million international passengers, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year. International air cargo demand grew by 16% during the same period,” said Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General. “International air passenger and cargo markets are poised for further growth in the latter half of the year, driven by sustained positive momentum in the global economy, despite some uncertainties in the geopolitical landscape. Increased services to new and existing destinations will further boost travel demand, with traffic volumes expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the region’s carriers remain focused on safe and sustainable operations, whilst maintaining cost efficiency.”

© Travel News Asia