The Association Of Asia Pacific Airlines has reported a major surge in air travel and cargo transport across the region in 2024. Airlines carried 365 million international passengers, marking a 30.5% rise from 2023. Increased flight frequencies, expanded routes, and growing demand fueled this growth. The industry also saw a strong rebound in air cargo, driven by booming e-commerce and ongoing shipping disruptions.
Revenue passenger kilometers climbed by 28%, while airlines expanded seating capacity by 26.6%. As a result, the international passenger load factor rose to 81.6%. The Asia Pacific air cargo sector, after two years of decline, experienced a 14.9% increase in freight tonne kilometers. Cargo capacity expanded by 14.6%, leading to a slight rise in the freight load factor to 61.0%.
The post-pandemic recovery of North East Asia routes played a key role in this expansion. Loosened visa policies and rising business and leisure travel boosted demand. Meanwhile, air cargo benefited from the region’s role as a manufacturing powerhouse, particularly in China. E-commerce growth and supply chain disruptions pushed businesses to opt for air freight over maritime transport.
Despite this progress, airlines face ongoing challenges. Rising labor costs, expensive aircraft leasing, and maintenance expenses add pressure. Delays in aircraft deliveries also limit expansion. To manage these issues, airlines focus on cutting costs while pushing suppliers to fix supply chain delays.
The outlook for 2025 remains positive, though growth may slow. Airlines aim to maintain strong demand while navigating operational hurdles. The Association Of Asia Pacific Airlines remains optimistic about sustained growth, emphasizing efficiency and strategic investments for long-term success.
Related stories:
Catch up on the top stories and travel deals by subscribing to our newsletter!
Leave a Reply