AAPA airlines report 8% fall in Jul-2009 pax

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reports (26-Aug-2009) the following international traffic highlights by member airlines in Jul-2009:

• Passenger numbers: 11.5 million, -7.8% year-on-year;
• Passenger load factor: 76.6%, -1.7 ppt;
• Cargo traffic (FTKs): -11.4%. [more] [more - Perspective]

AAPA: "The Asia Pacific air transport industry continues to experience weak demand for both passenger and freight traffic, still well below the levels of last year, despite some encouraging signs of a broader economic rebound taking shape across the region. Airlines are still under enormous pressure, with sharp falls in revenues as a result of lower fare levels. In managing their way through the crisis, airlines remain focused on further cost-cutting measures, whilst offering highly competitive fares and travel packages aimed at winning back more passengers. Traffic reductions may be easing, but a return to growth is still some way off. Meanwhile, there is an added concern that oil prices remain stubbornly high, and could derail what is likely to be a fragile recovery for the global economy," Andrew Herdman, Director General. Source: AAPA, 26-Aug-2009.