AAPA passenger numbers up 9% to 101 million in 1H2012 but cargo traffic down 4.3%

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reports (30-Jul-2012) the following international traffic highlights for its member airlines:

• Jun-2012:
  • Passenger numbers: 17 million, +8.5% year-on-year;
  • Passenger traffic (RPKs): +8.1%;
  • Capacity (ASKs): +4.3%;
  • Passenger load factor: 80.2%, +2.8 ppts;
  • Cargo traffic (FTKs): -0.8%;
  • Cargo load factor: 67.8%, +0.4 ppt;
• Six months ended Jun-2012:
  • Passenger numbers: 100.9 million, +8.7%;
  • Passenger traffic (RPKs): +7.4%;
  • Capacity (ASKs): +5.1%;
  • Passenger load factor: 77.5%, +1.6 ppts;
  • Cargo traffic (FTKs): -4.3%;
  • Cargo load factor: 66.2%, -1.2 ppts. [more - original PR]

AAPA: "Although passenger demand has held up well, weak air cargo demand has undermined overall revenue growth, whilst cost pressures from high fuel prices squeezed already thin margins. Oil prices have moderated from their recent highs, providing a measure of relief, but prospects for the second half of the year are still overshadowed by continuing uncertainty over the weak global economic outlook. Asian airlines are therefore taking a relatively cautious view with regard to capacity management, and carefully managing costs throughout the business." Source: Company statement, 30-Jul-2012.