AAPA optimistic for long-term growth

The Assn. of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has released preliminary figures for 2011 showing steady growth in international air passenger demand but weak international freight markets.

The 16 member airlines carried 190 million international passengers in 2011, 3.5% more than the previous year, while RPKs grew by 3.7%.

Capacity growth for the year was 6.3%, resulting in an international passenger load factor of 76.4%, down two percentage points. 

Air cargo demand (FTKs) fell 4.8% in 2011, while the load factor declined 3.4 percentage points to 66.6%. 

AAPA director general Andrew Herdman was upbeat on the passenger results but wary on cargo and prospects in 2012.

“Despite a series of natural disasters, including the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, growth in international passenger traffic for Asian airlines held up relatively well in 2011,” Herdman said. “By contrast, the year saw air cargo demand weaken significantly compared to the restocking surge experienced in 2010, reflecting cautious management of supply chain inventories in the expectation of relatively weaker growth prospects for the major developed economies,” he said.  

Looking ahead, Herdman cautioned that uncertainty over the global economy in 2012 has somewhat overshadowed the immediate outlook, and airlines worldwide are bracing themselves for another challenging year ahead.  

“Overall, however, Asian airlines still remain optimistic about longer-term growth prospects, as evidenced by ambitious fleet plans, ongoing service enhancements, and the launch of innovative new business ventures,” Herdman said.