While economic uncertainty still reigns in Asia, the region’s airlines are still reporting continued growth in international passenger demand.
Preliminary traffic figures for September released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) rose 6% compared to a year ago, with 22 million international passengers carried.
International passenger loadings for the region’s airlines were also up slightly to 77.2% for the month.
However demand in air cargo markets continues to soften with the international freight load factor down to 62.7% in September.
"Overall, international air passenger demand has seen robust growth during the past nine months, as reflected in the 8.3% increase in the number of international passengers carried by Asia Pacific airlines to reach a combined total of 206.1 million. Leisure travel markets remained buoyant, driving the continued growth in demand," said AAPA director general Andrew Herdman.
"The operating environment for Asian airlines remains challenging, complicated by the effects of slowing economic growth in emerging markets, and associated exchange rate volatility. However, the continued growth in travel demand and lower oil prices have been a positive factor, helping to keep air fares affordable."
