AAPA pax numbers up 9% in Aug-2013, cargo traffic stable

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reports (27-Sep-2013) the following international traffic highlights for its member airlines in Aug-2013:

• Passenger numbers: 20.1 million, +8.7% year-on-year;
• Passenger traffic (RPKs): +8%;
• Capacity (ASKs): +5.5%;
• Passenger load factor: 82.3%, +1.9 ppts;
• Cargo traffic (FTKs): +0.3%;
• Cargo load factor: 63.1%, -1.6 ppts. [more - original PR]

AAPA: "Underpinned by sustained regional economic growth, we have seen significant increases in both business and leisure travel. On the other hand, air freight markets have been persistently soft, with a 1.7% fall in air freight demand during the first eight months of the year, as a result of lacklustre trade growth and relatively weak markets for electronic products and other high value goods normally shipped by air. There are some signs that the slump in air cargo experienced over the past couple of years may be bottoming out, at least in volume terms, but surplus cargo capacity will continue to exert downward pressure on rates. Overall, Asian airlines are focusing on further growth opportunities, but still face very challenging business conditions," Mr. Andrew Herdman, AAPA Director General. Source: Company statement, 27-Sep-2013.