KUALA
LUMPUR - Preliminary traffic figures for the month
of October released today by the Association of Asia
Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed a continuation of
established trends, with growth in international passenger
traffic, but weakness in air cargo demand.
In aggregate, Asia Pacific
airlines carried a combined total of 17.0 million
international passengers in October, a 2.7 per cent
increase compared to the same month last year. Measured in
revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, international
passenger traffic grew by 2.1 per cent, underlining
continued strength for regional routes. Available seat
capacity increased by just 0.9 per cent, resulting in a 0.9
percentage point increase in the average international
passenger load factor to 76.6 per cent for the month.
International air cargo
demand, expressed in freight tonne kilometre (FTK) terms,
declined by 5.8 per cent year-on-year in October, a
reflection of overall weakness in air cargo markets.
Offered freight capacity was reduced by 6.1 per cent,
leaving the average international air cargo load factor
almost unchanged at 67.4 per cent.
Commenting on the results,
Andrew Herdman, AAPA Director General said, "During the
first ten months of the year, Asia Pacific carriers were
encouraged by the 6.9 per cent growth seen in international
passenger demand. However, traffic numbers for the month
of October indicate a continuation of the slower growth
trend already apparent in the third quarter of the year,
with regional traffic holding up relatively well, but some
softening of demand for long-haul travel markets."
"Global air cargo markets
are still depressed, with volumes for the first ten months
of the year 4.0 per cent down on last year's levels.
Overall, the air cargo market is characterized by weak
demand and excess capacity, maintaining downward pressure
on rates."
Herdman concluded, "Asia
Pacific airlines are still facing a very challenging
operating environment, clouded by uncertainties over the
global economic outlook. Competitive market pressures, and
the impact of persistently high fuel prices, have pushed up
breakeven load factors, and are spurring further efforts to
deploy newer more fuel-efficient aircraft, whilst carefully
managing overall capacity."