Airbus International has projected a need for 17,620 new aircraft across Asia-Pacific as passenger traffic continues its growth of 5.3 per cent per annum over the next 20 years and retirement of older, less fuel efficient aircraft sets in.
In a press statement, Airbus said 30 per cent of these new aircraft will replace older, less fuel efficient models. Of the total expected demand, 13,660 will be in the Small category, such as the A220 and A320 family, while 2,470 will be Medium and 1,490 Large.
“We are seeing a global recovery in air traffic and as travel restrictions are further eased, the Asia-Pacific region will become one of its main drivers again. We are confident of a strong rebound in the region’s traffic and expect it to reach 2019 levels between 2023 and 2025,” said Christian Scherer, chief commercial officer and head of Airbus International.
Airbus said the region’s middle class, who are the likeliest to travel, will increase by 1.1 billion to 3.2 billion by 2040, and the propensity for people to travel is set to almost triple by 2040.
Scherer said the Airbus portfolio is well-positioned to enable sustainable aviation. “Our modern portfolio offers a 20 to 25 per cent fuel burn and therewith CO2 (carbon dioxide) advantage over older generation aircraft. We pride ourselves that all our aircraft products are already certified to fly with a blend of 50 per cent SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), set to rise to 100 per cent by 2030.
“In addition, our newly launched A350F offers efficiency gains of 10 to 40 per cent compared to any other large freighter, existing or expected, both in terms of fuel consumption as in CO2 emissions.”
In view of further ongoing innovations, product developments, operational improvements as well as market based options, Airbus aims to achieve the air transport sector’s target to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Tour operators in Malaysia are getting ready for the possible reopening of the country’s international borders, with efforts being ploughed into staff training, itinerary revisions and reconnection with business networks.
This follows the National Recovery Council’s (NRC) recommendation last week to the Malaysian government to reopen borders as early as March 1, 2022 to spur economic recovery. However, the final decision remains with the Cabinet, and on February 11, prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the Cabinet had yet to discuss the NRC’s recommendation. The Health Ministry too had yet to provide its feedback on the recommendation to the Cabinet for evaluation.
While policymakers decide on their stand, Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel is preparing to renew permits for its coaches and vans, which have been out of service for the past two years. Managing director Yap Sook Ling said there are also plans to increase operations manpower as well as begin staff training.
Ping Anchorage Travel & Tours is revising its itineraries to feature more open-air dining venues, accommodation in small island resorts, as well as off-the-beaten-track destinations in Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. CEO Alex Lee believes that travellers will favour less crowded destinations when they return.
Expecting the FIT segment to expand, Lee intends to lease more vans to supplement his own fleet of five when demand picks up.
Over at Universal Holidays Travel and Tourism, founder and CEO Zahira Tahir has been reconnecting with agents and partners overseas, and is now contracting with hotels and suppliers in Malaysia.
She told TTG Asia that agents in India and Pakistan wish to bring incentive groups to Malaysia in 1H2022, but materialisation would depend on the government’s decision on when borders will reopen as well as standard operating procedures (SOPs) for travellers.
Zahira opined that the government should give at least a month’s advance notice on the reopening date as well as instructions on what is needed from travellers in terms of Covid-19 tests.
Yap added that it was important for arrival SOPs to not be too restrictive, as that would turn potential travellers away. Citing an example, she said daily Covid testing requirements was a hassle to travellers.
Tour operators also view the coordinated return of scheduled flights with the reopening will determine the success for Malaysia’s tourism recovery.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president KL Tan has called for the government to develop a recovery roadmap for the industry as well as implement travel bubbles with more countries.