Asia Pacific Airlines Carried 31.4 Million International Passengers in July 2018

Preliminary traffic figures from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) for the month of July 2018 show sustained growth in international air passenger markets, whilst air cargo demand remained firm despite moderating expansion in the global services and manufacturing sectors.

Boosted by strong leisure travel demand during the holiday season, the region's airlines registered a 7.6% growth in the number of international passengers carried to a combined total of 31.4 million in July. In revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, demand grew by 7.3%, underscoring continued strength in short-haul travel markets. The average international passenger load factor climbed 1.2 percentage points higher to 82.7% for the month, on a 5.7% expansion in available seat capacity.

In July, international air cargo demand as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK) recorded an encouraging 5.0% increase compared with the same month last year. Consumer confidence so far seems relatively unaffected by the political rhetoric including threats of protectionist measures. The average international freight load factor declined by 0.5 percentage points to 64.4% for the month, following a 5.9% expansion in offered freight capacity.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Andrew Herdman, AAPA Director General said, "The solid pattern of growth seen in the first half of the year continued into the month of July, with Asian airlines reporting further increases in both international passenger traffic and air cargo volumes, sustained by broad-based growth in the global economy. Overall, during the first seven months of the year, the number of international passengers grew by 7.9% to a combined total of 207 million. During the same period, air cargo demand remained relatively robust, growing by 5.1% on top of the strong performance we saw last year."

Looking ahead, Mr. Herdman said, "For the upcoming months, the global economic outlook remains positive, despite some concern that uncertainties over future trade policy could undermine business confidence internationally. On a more positive note, both the United States and China have announced expansionary fiscal measures, which should stimulate domestic demand in the advanced and emerging market economies, and hopefully mitigate any adverse impact from new tariff barriers. Adapting to changes in consumer trends in a dynamic marketplace, Asian airlines are growing revenue through new product and service offerings. At the same time, airlines are making further improvements to operational efficiency in a bid to manage costs and maintain profitability."

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