Asia Pacific air cargo volume recovers slowly

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) member airlines carried a total of 11.9 million international passengers in August, 2.9% fewer than in the same month last year. International passenger traffic measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) was 5% down on the same month from last year, indicating continuing weaker demand for long haul travel. With passenger seating capacity reduced by 6.7%, the average international passenger load factor rose 1.5 percentage points to 77.9% for the month.

Air cargo traffic volumes are slowly recovering but remain weak. For the month of August, AAPA international cargo traffic in freight tonne kilometers (FTK) was 12.2% lower than the same month last year. Matched by a 12.9% reduction in cargo capacity, the average international cargo load factor was 66.9% for the month.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Andrew Herdman, AAPA Director General said, ?or the first eight months of the year, AAPA international passenger numbers were 10% down on the same period last year, while AAPA international cargo traffic was almost 20% lower.

The airline industry remains in critical condition, despite some signs of a modest recovery in traffic volumes in recent months. Airline revenues have been further undermined by the need to aggressively discount fares to stimulate demand in a shrinking market. Even with the benefit of capacity cutbacks and other cost reduction efforts, airlines are still suffering heavy losses, and are focused on survival.

Along with manufacturers and other service providers in the value chain, we need to work together to weather the crisis, and ensure that the industry continues to meet the needs of the travelling public for safe, secure and affordable air travel, whilst positioning for recovery.<Korea Shipping Gazette>