AAPA int’l pax up 5% to 24.2m in Apr-2016, cargo traffic stable

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reported (25-May-2016) the following international traffic highlights for its member airlines in Apr-2016:

• Passenger numbers: 24.2 million, +4.8% year-on-year;
• Passenger traffic: +6.4%;
• Capacity (ASKs): +6.4%;
• Passenger load factor: 78.0%, stable;
• Cargo traffic (FTKs): +0.1%;
• Cargo load factor: 61.7%, -1.7 ppts. [more - original PR]

AAPA: "During the first four months of the year, Asia Pacific airlines saw international passenger numbers increase by a healthy 6.9% to an aggregate total of 97.1 million. Passengers are benefiting from greater value than ever with competitive airfares and ever expanding consumer choice of products and services. However, international air cargo markets are still weak, with year to date demand registering a 4.8% decline compared to the same period a year ago, reflecting the lacklustre global trade conditions. The outlook for air passenger demand is expected to remain positive, even though there are uncertainties regarding the global economic outlook. Accordingly, although the region's airlines are cautiously optimistic about further growth, they are at the same time continuing to focus attention on disciplined cost management efforts throughout the business." Source: Company statement, 25-May-2016.