December 1st 2023

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JANUARY

Entering the fourth year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus for Indo-Asia-Pacific airlines was how quickly they could add back capacity and resume flying to suspended destinations across their domestic and international networks. Read More »

One indication of the rebound was the winding down of all-cargo operations aboard passenger aircraft. Several airlines had removed seats on passenger aircraft to accommodate air freight demand. Asiana Airlines was one of the first airlines to return the converted aircraft to passenger services.

The China market was a key plank in the region’s airline recovery. By the end of 2022, some local restrictions had been eased following protests in several Mainland cities. More easing of travel restrictions followed on January 8 when the country reopened its international border and quarantine requirements were removed.

Cathay Pacific was one of many carriers in the region to welcome the Mainland’s reopening with an announcement its flight schedule in the important Hong Kong-China market would be quickly increased albeit off a low base.

In addition to relaxed pandemic restrictions, China’s airlines benefitted from the timing of the Lunar New Year holiday this year. Official government figures showed the country’s airlines flew 9 million passengers in the Spring Festival holiday, which runs annually from Lunar New Year’s Eve until the sixth day of the New Year. In 2023 the holiday period was January 21 to January 27. The businesses of airlines jumped 79.8% compared with the Lunar holiday week in 2022.

The first month of 2023 also delivered good news to Boeing when China Southern Airlines resumed flying its 737 MAX fleet after a four-year hiatus.

Boeing’s optimism about the 737 MAX, and indeed its confidence in the commercial aviation sector’s ability to return to pre-pandemic levels, was reflected in the manufacturer’s decision to open a fourth 737 MAX Final Assembly by 2024. In other 737 MAX news in the month, Japan’s Skymark ordered four of the type, with options for two more, and South Korea’s T’way inaugurated 737 MAX services.

Bonza, a new entrant in the Australian domestic market and another 737 MAX operator, commenced commercial flying on January 31, when VH-UIK operated the LCC’s inaugural flight from the Sunshine Coast to the Whitsunday Coast. The privately held airline, controlled by 777 Partners, is the first Australian operator of the MAX.

The aviation community grieved for the loss of 72 lives on board Yeti Airlines, flight YT691 and operated by an ATR 72-500 9N-ANC, after it crashed on approach to Pokhara Airport in Nepal on January 15. There were no survivors among the 68 passengers and four crew members on board. A preliminary report indicated the aircraft stalled before crashing. A final report has yet to be issued.