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Asia-Pacific October passenger figures remained significantly depressed
November 26th 2021
October international passenger demand remained in the doldrums for Asia-Pacific airlines even as carriers benefited from a jump in freight traffic. Read More » Preliminary figures released on Thursday by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed only 1.2 million passengers travelled in the region in October, just 3.9% of the 31 million passengers transported in the same month in 2019. Available revenue passenger kilometres were 5.6% of pre-pandemic levels and available seat capacity averaged 14.4% of October two years ago. As a result, the international passenger load factor for the region was 30.9% for the month. In contrast, international air cargo demand was 22.3% higher than a year ago and freight load factor hit 74.2% despite a 20% rise in capacity. “While October continued to be an extremely challenging month for international travel markets, solid orders for consumer goods and industrial components buoyed air cargo demand especially as retailers sought to increase stock levels ahead of the year-end holiday season and major shopping events. In addition, supply chain congestion at some shipping hubs boosted demand for air shipments,” said AAPA director-general, Subhas Menon. Menon welcomed the gradual reopening of borders in the region, but reiterated the association’s call for harmonisation of travel policies and health regulations. “This will reduce complexity and confusion among passengers and carriers, which will boost confidence in the travel process,” he said.
