Asia Pacific passenger traffic plunged in February
Asia Pacific airlines had month to forget in February.
According to preliminary traffic data from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, international passenger numbers plunged by 43.9%, to just 17 million.
Loadings were down 14.4% to 66%.
"The covid-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges, both operational and financial, to the airline industry and the wider travel and tourism sector worldwide," said AAPA director general Andrew Herdman.
"Whilst some governments have moved quickly to provide measures of financial support, much more needs to be done to reduce the risks of permanent damage."
"Overall, for the first two months of the year, the number of international passengers travelling on Asian airlines fell by 21% to 50 million passengers."
However, demand for air cargo fell only 5%.
Due to the continued reduction in flights during March, some airlines are using passenger jets for cargo-only services.
The pandemic has fuelled demand for medical supplies, protective equipment, foodstuffs and e-commerce goods for millions of people forced to stay at home.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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