Asia Pacific airlines continued to struggle in September according to preliminary traffic figures for the month released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showing both pax and cargo demand at "markedly depressed levels," with no sign of recovery in sight.

In a statement, AAPA said1.1 million international passengers flew on Asia Pacific airlines in September, just 3.6% of the 30 million that travelled in September 2019 as offered seat capacity was a little higher at 11% of last year's level. 

Whilst manufacturing conditions further improved globally, the trade association of airlines based in the Asia Pacific noted that some Asian economies continue to face weakness in exports.

It said international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne-kilometres (FTK), fell by 17.5% year-on-year in September. Offered freight capacity declined by 29.9%, leading to a 10.6 percentage point increase in the average international freight load factor, to 70.6% for the month.

Consistent, coordinated COVID-19 guidelines

"Airlines are struggling to survive as international air travel remains severely curtailed by onerous travel restrictions. Without recapitalisation or fund injections, several of the region's carriers face an existential threat. Thousands of aviation jobs are already lost, with more at risk," said Subhas Menon, AAPA Director-General.

"While the establishment of green lanes and travel bubbles in the region is a positive first step, their disparate and restrictive requirements make it difficult for these to take off meaningfully," he said, adding that it is critical that governments implement consistent and coordinated measures based on objective risk assessment to help restore confidence in air travel.