Modest uptick in air passenger demand in APAC

International air passenger markets are still increasing in demand

Preliminary traffic figures for the month of November 2019 released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed international air passenger markets recorded a further increase in demand, stimulated by the availability of affordable airfares and improvements to connectivity.

In aggregate, the region’s airlines flew 30.3 million international passengers in November, a 3.4 per cent increase compared to the same month last year. The moderate growth reflects the general slowdown in global economic activity.

International air passenger markets are still growing at a constant clip

International passenger load factor averaged 80.1 per cent for the month, after accounting for a 3.6 per cent increase in demand as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) and a 2.6 per cent growth in available seat capacity.

Commenting on the results, Andrew Herdman, AAPA director general, said: “Asian airlines carried a combined 342 million international passengers during the first eleven months of the year, achieving 4.2 per cent growth despite falling business confidence levels and corresponding moderation in economic activity across regions. Tourism activity continued to lend support to leisure travel, with growth within the region boosted by the availability of affordable air fares.”

Looking ahead, Herdman said: “The outlook for air passenger markets is still reasonably positive, with expectations of continued moderate expansion in the global economy. Meanwhile, the region’s carriers remain vigilant in monitoring and responding to changes in market conditions, while seeking new growth opportunities.”

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