Asia Pacific Airlines Carried 30.4 Million Int. Passengers in May; Cargo FTK Down 6.5%

Preliminary traffic figures from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) for the month of May 2019 show moderate growth in international air passenger markets, with sustained regional economic expansion supporting business and leisure travel markets.

However, air cargo demand fell further, as export activity continued to slow in the face of challenging business conditions.

A combined total of 30.4 million international passengers were carried by Asia Pacific airlines in May, reflecting a 4.4% increase compared to the same month last year. Demand in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) grew by 4.5% year-on-year, surpassing the 3.6% increase in available seat capacity, resulting in a 0.7 percentage points increase in the average international passenger load factor to reach 78.5% for the month.

The wider imposition of trade tariffs dampened demand and affected global supply chains, leading to declines in new export orders. Consequently, the region's airlines registered a 6.5% fall in air cargo demand as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK) in May. Combined with a marginal 0.3% increase in offered freight capacity, the average international freight load factor fell by 4.3 percentage points to 59.0% for the month.

"Sustained expansion in major global and regional economies supported further growth in passenger markets, but air cargo demand is weak as a result of the slowdown in the manufacturing sector and deteriorating business confidence, undermined by the ongoing trade disputes," said Mr. Andrew Herdman, AAPA Director General. "Overall, during the first five months of the year, Asian airlines carried an aggregate total of 155 million international passengers, 4.8% more than the same period last year. In marked contrast, in the same period Asian airlines saw a 6.2% contraction in air cargo demand."

Looking ahead, Mr. Herdman said, "Whilst prospects for growth in travel markets remain positive, operating conditions have become increasingly challenging for the region's carriers. Airlines are grappling with the effects of weaker air cargo demand, volatile oil prices and renewed downward pressure on passenger yields. Nevertheless, the region's airlines remain focused on improving operational productivity to deliver value added services to customers."

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