AAPA pax numbers up 7% to 21.9m with 75% load factor in Oct-2014, cargo traffic up 6%

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reports (27-Nov-2014) the following international traffic highlights for its member airlines in Oct-2014:

• Passenger numbers: 21.9 million, +6.9% year-on-year;
• Passenger traffic (RPKs): +5.3%;
• Capacity (ASKs): +6.9%;
• Passenger load factor: 75.3%, -1.1 ppts;
• Cargo traffic (FTKs): +6.4%;
• Cargo load factor: 66.4%, +1.5 ppts. [more - original PR]

AAPA: "Whilst the longer term demand outlook is positive, Asian airlines continue to grapple with numerous challenges, including persistent yield pressures arising from intense market competition and signs of overcapacity, which has led to tight profit margins. With fuel being the single largest cost item for airlines, the recent decline in oil prices, if sustained, has been perceived as a welcome reprieve. However, in a highly competitive market, the impact on the bottom-line will depend on individual carriers' fuel hedging policies. Overall, Asian carriers remain positive on the outlook for further growth, but are still carefully controlling costs in a bid to restore profitability to more sustainable levels," Source: Company statement, 27-Nov-2014.