Asia Pacific airlines witnessed robust growth in both international air passenger and cargo markets throughout 2024, as reported by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). Preliminary figures revealed a significant increase in flight frequencies and a flourishing e-commerce sector contributing to this positive trend. The disruptions in maritime shipping further boosted air cargo volumes, underscoring the region's resilience in the face of challenges.

By the end of 2024, a staggering 365 million international passengers were transported by Asia Pacific carriers, marking an impressive 30.5% surge from the previous year. The revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) showed a 28.0% increase, particularly strong on regional routes. The average international passenger load factor also experienced a rise of 0.9%, reaching 81.6% for the year.

Moreover, the international air cargo sector demonstrated a healthy recovery in 2024 following a decline in the preceding years. Freight ton kilometers (FTK) saw a solid 14.9% uptick, slightly overtaking the 14.6% growth in available freight capacity. Consequently, the average international freight load factor edged up by 0.2 percentage points to 61.0%.

Reflecting on the prosperous year, AAPA Director General Subhas Menon highlighted the strong performance driven by the post-pandemic revival in North East Asia routes and robust regional demand stimulating both leisure and business travel. Menon expressed optimism for 2025, anticipating a positive outlook despite the expectation of moderated growth rates. Nonetheless, challenges persist with escalating labor, maintenance, and leasing costs, along with operational hurdles linked to aircraft delivery delays.

Looking forward, Menon emphasized the importance of active cost management and collaboration with equipment suppliers to mitigate supply chain issues while capitalizing on growth opportunities. The Asia Pacific region stands poised for continued success in the aviation industry, navigating challenges with strategic initiatives and a forward-thinking approach.