AAPA: Asia Pacific airlines post welcome return to profitability in 2015

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) DG Andrew Herdman reported (23-May-2016) Asia Pacific carriers "saw a welcome return to profitability in 2015", reporting an overall 8.3% operating margin for the year, compared a the 1.0% operating margin and an overall net loss of USD1.2 billion achieved in 2014. Asian airlines "benefitted from strong passenger demand and the significant fall in oil prices, although the financial impact on individual carriers would also depend on currency volatility and variations in individual fuel hedging policies, amongst other factors" said Mr Herdman. The strong results were underpinned by sustained growth in passenger markets, lower fuel prices and operating efficiencies, including a record high passenger load factor of 78.4%. [more - original PR]