In 2024, Asia Pacific Airlines serviced a total of 365.0 million international passengers. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Paylessimages
Early findings from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) show strong traffic growth throughout 2024 in international air passengers. On average, Asia Pacific Airlines carried a combined total of 365.0 million international passengers, representing a 30.5% increase compared to the previous year.
Demand as measured in revenue passenger kilometres also increased by 28.0%, reflecting relative strength on regional routes. After accounting for a 26.6% expansion in available seat capacity, the average international passenger load factor rose 0.9 percentage points higher to 81.6% for the year.
Commenting on the results, Subhas Menon, AAPA director general, said, “2024 was a strong year for Asia Pacific airlines. The post-pandemic recovery on Northeast Asia routes, helped by the relaxation of visa policies, together with overall healthy demand across the region, drove growth in both leisure and business travel markets. This resulted in a 30.5% increase in the number of international passengers carried for the year, reaching a total of 365 million.
“Consequently, the region’s carriers achieved a record-high international passenger load factor of 81.6% in 2024, amidst capacity constraints stemming from ongoing supply chain shortages and delays in aircraft deliveries.”
“2024 was a strong year for Asia Pacific airlines. The post-pandemic recovery on Northeast Asia routes, helped by the relaxation of visa policies, together with overall healthy demand across the region, drove growth in both leisure and business travel markets.”
Subhas Menon, director general, Association of Asia Pacific Airlines
Menon expressed a generally positive outlook for 2025. However, he also emphasised that airlines continue to face obstacles such as rising labour, maintenance and aircraft leasing costs, as well as operational pressures due to ongoing delays in aircraft deliveries. In light of these challenges, more focus will shift to active cost management and seeking the commitment of equipment suppliers to address supply chain problems, while continuing to invest in growth opportunities.