AAPA: Asia Pacific airlines growth sustained in 2016, 2017 outlook remains positive

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reaffirmed (25-Jan-2017) continued solid growth in demand for international air travel in 2016, whilst air cargo markets showed renewed strength in the second half of the year after a weak start. International scheduled traffic for Asia Pacific airlines are as follows:

• Dec-2016:
• • Passengers: 26.2 million, +6.7% year-on-year;
  • Passenger load factor: 80.4%, +1.7 ppt;
  • Cargo traffic (FTKs): +8.7%;
  • Cargo load factor: 65.7%, +2.3 ppts;
• 2016:
• • Passengers: 292.8 million, +6.0%;
  • Passenger load factor: 78.7%, +0.3 ppt;
  • Cargo traffic: +1.8%;
  • Cargo load factor: 62.5%, -1.0 ppt. [more - original PR]

AAPA: "The outlook for air travel markets in 2017 remains broadly positive, although the earlier boost to demand from falling oil prices is now behind us, and growth rates may moderate. Market conditions remain highly competitive, and airlines are focused on active cost management, whilst continuing to invest in future growth opportunities,” Andrew Herdman, Director General. Source: Company statement, 25-Jan-2017.