As 2023 unfolded, the international airlines of the Asia-Pacific region experienced a gradual recovery in passenger numbers. Despite the lifting of travel restrictions and China rejoining global aviation, a full return to pre-COVID traffic levels remained elusive, especially evident in the November figures.
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), collecting data from 40 Asia-Pacific-based airlines, offers a comprehensive view of the international travel scenario. This data includes input from a range of carriers, from budget airlines like AirAsia to full-service providers like Singapore Airlines, and smaller operators like Royal Brunei. The diverse nature of these airlines, encompassing members and non-members of AAPA, paints an accurate picture of the aviation landscape in the region. Major players such as China Eastern, Air China, Cathay Pacific, Air India, Korean Air, and Japan Airlines contribute to this rich dataset.
November 2023 in Numbers
In November 2023, these airlines transported 25.1 million passengers, marking a significant 77% growth from November 2022 but still falling short of the 30 million passengers in 2019. The January to November period saw the airlines handle 250 million passengers, a substantial increase from 90 million in 2022, yet below the 328 million of 2019. Although international traffic neared 83% of pre-pandemic levels in late 2023, the reality was a shortfall of five million international passengers compared to 2019, with passenger load factors slightly lower than pre-pandemic figures.
AAPA Director General Subhas Menon’s forecast suggests a full recovery won’t materialize until 2024, likely later in the year. The 178% increase in passenger numbers from January to November 2023 compared to 2022 reflects the pent-up demand of the post-pandemic recovery period. Menon emphasizes that despite global economic slowdowns and geopolitical tensions, the growth in international passenger demand was notable. He maintains a positive outlook for air travel demand, with recovery expected in 2024. However, airlines remain cautious about costs due to fluctuating oil prices and exchange rate volatility.
Cargo Volumes Gaining Momentum
November 2023 also saw a resurgence in cargo volumes, driven by rising demand for consumer goods during the festive period. International air cargo demand saw an 8.4% growth compared to November 2022. However, the international freight load factor slightly decreased, considering the 11% year-on-year expansion in offered freight capacity.
The Asia-Pacific airline industry, while showing promising signs of recovery, still faces challenges in regaining its pre-pandemic momentum. December’s passenger numbers will be crucial in indicating the pace of this recovery. Nonetheless, it’s clear that these airlines are on a path of gradual resurgence, navigating the complexities of a post-pandemic world.
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