AAPA: Outlook is still uncertain
KUALA LUMPUR– The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) member airlines carried 132.9 million international passengers in 2009, 5.7 percent fewer than in the previous year.
Passenger traffic measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) fell by 6.5 percent, indicating particular weakness in demand on long-haul routes.
Available seat capacity was reduced by 6.1 percent, resulting in a marginal drop in the average passenger load factor by 0.4 percentage points to 74.6 percent.
Andrew Herdman, AAPA director general, said, “We have been through downturns before, but none as severe as we’ve experienced in the past two years.â€
Looking ahead, Herdman said, “On a more optimistic note, traffic trends in recent months have shown signs of recovery, in line with the improving global economic outlook led by developing economies in the Asia Pacific region.
“The cargo business is regaining some of its dynamism, and passenger demand on short haul leisure routes within the region has already picked up, although business travel demand is recovering more slowly.â€
He said Asia Pacific airlines remain focused on “conserving cash, rebuilding damaged balance sheets, and carefully managing capacity to match demand as they work towards restoring profitabilityâ€.
“Whilst we remain hopeful about future prospects, the outlook for 2010 very much depends on the sustainability of what still appears to be a rather fragile global economic recovery.â€
Ian Jarrett
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