The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) released preliminary October 2023 traffic figures showing a significant surge in international passenger demand, reflecting the ongoing recovery in air travel across the region and the rest of the world.
In October 2023, Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined 25.3 million international passengers, a remarkable 102.8% increase compared to the same month in 2022. This robust growth represents an average of 80.5% of the corresponding month in 2019, indicating a steady recovery towards pre-pandemic levels.
Measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), demand climbed 85.6% higher, reflecting the relative strength of short-haul markets. After accounting for a 77.9% expansion in available seat capacity, the average international passenger load factor rose by 3.4 percentage points to reach 80.4% for the month, slightly above pre-pandemic levels.
Air Cargo Demand
Despite some moderation in trade activity, October saw Asia Pacific airlines post a 3.2% increase in international air cargo demand as measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTK), when compared to the depressed volumes recorded in the same month last year. Offered freight capacity expanded by 8.9% year-on-year, leading to a 3.3 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to average 61.2% for the month.
Looking ahead, AAPA Director General Subhas Menon expressed optimism about the prospects for further growth in air travel demand in the coming months. He noted that the recent uptick in air cargo demand is also welcome, although the outlook for this sector remains uncertain due to continued declines in export orders.
Overall, Asia Pacific carriers remain focused on improving financial performance following three years of steep pandemic-led losses while delivering the highest levels of customer service to meet the growing demand for air travel.
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