The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reported that airline operations in the region are "still depressed," as the spread of COVID-19 variants resulted in tighter border restrictions in international as well as domestic markets across the world but air cargo demand keeps improving as world trade starts to gain renewed momentum.
In a statement, AAPA said Asia Pacific airlines in January 2021, saw air cargo demand as measured in freight tonne-kilometres (FTK) recorded a marginal increase of 0.3%, the first year-on-year growth in many months, partly boosted by higher demand for air shipments ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Growth in the e-commerce sector in the midst of further recovery in the global manufacturing sector also lent support to air cargo markets.
Offered freight capacity during the period fell by 25% year-on-year, reflecting the prevailing capacity crunch as a result of the decline in passenger bellyhold space.
Meanwhile, the international freight load factor averaged 71.6%, representing an 18 percentage point increase compared to the same month last year.
In terms of passenger volumes, AAPA said Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined total of 1.3 million international passengers in January, just 3.9% of the same month last year when 33.5 million passengers flew on the region’s carriers.
“Renewed efforts to contain COVID-19 through lockdowns and border restrictions have again affected international passenger demand, which remains close to a standstill,” said Subhas Menon, AAPA Director-General.
Further assistance for airlines cited
He noted that the “uneven roll-out of vaccinations across the world will only delay the full reopening of borders.”
“In this extremely challenging operating environment, airlines are struggling to survive. While some airlines are receiving financial support, further assistance would be needed for most airlines to stay afloat, given that international borders remain largely shuttered,” Menon added.
Meanwhile, the AAPA chief said the industry is working with several stakeholders to prepare the ground for the sustained resumption of air travel, notably on contactless digitalized tools and passenger facilitation protocols to ensure a safe and seamless journey for travellers.
“The Asia Pacific aviation industry is committed to playing its part in the COVID-19 pandemic, through the carriage of time-sensitive cargo supplies especially vaccines, and the safe repatriation of residents.”
