Asia Pacific Airlines February 2022 Traffic Results 

0
674

Passenger demand is still weak, while air cargo markets remain robust 

 Preliminary February 2022 traffic figures released today by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed ongoing weakness in international air passenger markets, as the surge in COVID-19 cases as a result of the Omicron variant, continues to hold back any meaningful recovery in demand in the Asia Pacific region. 

In aggregate, the month of February saw a combined 2.5 million international passengers traveling on the region’s carriers, only 8.4% of the 30.3 million in the corresponding month of 2019. Reflecting the relative strength of longer-haul markets, international passenger demand in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) averaged 9.9% of 2019 volumes. The international passenger load factor averaged 41.7% for the month, with available seat capacity at 19.2% of 2019 levels. 

On the other hand, international air cargo markets held steady, underpinned by strong consumer and business demand. Ongoing supply chain challenges faced by maritime shipping also supported demand for shipments by air. 

Overall, international air cargo demand in freight tonne kilometers (FTK) edged 0.2% higher year-on-year in February, with volumes close to 9% above the corresponding month in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. Offered freight capacity expanded by 4.7% year-on-year, resulting in a 3.1 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 69.4% for the month. 

Commenting on the results, Mr. Subhas Menon, AAPA Director-General said, Taken together, the first two months of the year saw a 150% year-on-year increase in international passenger traffic, although demand remained suppressed when compared to 2019 levels. Meanwhile, further expansion in the global manufacturing sector has supported air cargo markets.” 

Mr. Menon added, “Nevertheless, with the outbreak of war in Ukraine at the end of February, Asian airlines face mounting challenges. Elevated fuel prices, airspace closures, as well as an overall increase in inflationary pressures, will weigh heavily on both passenger and cargo business segments.” 

“On the other hand, there has been increasing momentum towards the re-opening of borders and easing of travel restrictions in the Asia Pacific region. This is positive news for the region’s airlines, which since the onset of the pandemic, have seen demand held back as a result of the repeated imposition of strict border control measures.” 

Mr. Menon concluded, “The relaxation of travel restrictions comes about as governments move towards an endemic approach to COVID-19. As such, AAPA continues to urge more governments to collaborate across borders in paving the way for the safe and sustainable restoration of international air travel and global mobility.” 

READ ALSO  July demand indicates a ‘winter of discontent' for airlines and forwarders as global air cargo rates continue to plunge
xyz xyz
Devender was born in the year when the Beatles Group was formed. He holds two master’s degrees in English Literature and Public Administration. He also has an Honors degree in English Literature and a post-graduate diploma in Corporate Communications and Public Relations. He was closely associated with the Indian State Transport Undertakings and Ministry of Transport in his role as Corporate Communications and PR specialist for over two decades handling domestic and international organizations. He ventured into business forming his own Media House, Profiles Media Network Private Limited which is now a twenty years old company. Excelling as an editor, Marketing, PR, Anchor, and Advertising specialist, he is now expertly navigating the world of social media. A widely traveled professional internationally, Devender has a deep understanding of the Air Cargo, Cargo Business, Cargo Airports, Freighters and Cargo Industry at large.