Asia-Pacific passenger traffic up, cargo down

International passenger traffic on Asia-Pacific carriers rose 6.6% in July to 19.6 million year-over-year; in June, international passenger traffic grew 7.1% to 18.4 million compared to June 2012.                                                                        The findings are according to traffic results reports released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).

In July, international RPKs rose 6.1% and available seat capacity was up 6.2%, resulting in a load factor of 80%, down 0.1 points. In June, international RPKs rose 5.7% and available seat capacity increased 6.4%, resulting in a load factor of 79.6%, down 0.5 point.

July international cargo demand, measured by FTKs, dropped 2.6% from July 2012 levels. June international cargo demand also declined 2.2% year-over-year.

In July, freight capacity expanded 1.8%. In June, freight capacity rose just 0.3%. July’s freight load factor was 64.2%, down 2.9 points year-over-year; June’s freight load factor was 66.2%, down 1.7 points “Continued growth in regional Asian economies maintained positive consumer and business sentiment, and was reflected in passenger demand for both leisure and business related travel,” AAPA DG Andrew Herdman said.

“On the other hand, air freight markets remained weak, with a further 2.4% fall in air freight during the first seven months of the year, as a result of weak demand in Europe and other key export markets.”

(Mark Nensel - ATWOnline News)