AAPA pax up 4% to 22.1m with 79% load factor in Jul-2014, cargo traffic up 6%

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reports (28-Aug-2014) the following international traffic highlights for its member airlines in Jul-2014:

• Passenger numbers: 22.1 million, +4.3% year-on-year;
• Passenger traffic (RPKs): +4.0%;
• Capacity (ASKs): +5.7%;
• Passenger load factor: 78.8%, -1.2 ppts;
• Cargo traffic (FTKs): +6.4%;
• Cargo load factor: 65.3%, +2.0 ppts. [more - original PR]

AAPA: "The sustained upward trend in both international passenger and cargo demand is very positive, and reflects continued growth in the emerging markets and a relatively stable global economic outlook. Nevertheless, Asia Pacific airlines are still facing very challenging business conditions, with additional capacity placing further downward pressure on fares and yields. As a result, revenue growth has been lacklustre, and profitability remains elusive for many of the region's carriers. The general outlook for Asian airlines remains positive, but right now, I would say restoring margins is the key focus of management attention across the industry," Mr. Andrew Herdman, AAPA Director General. Source: Company statement, 28-Aug-2014.