The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has released its full-year 2024 air traffic data, highlighting significant growth in both international passenger travel and cargo transport. Increased flight frequencies and expanded airline networks fueled the surge in travel demand, while booming e-commerce and disruptions in global maritime shipping contributed to a notable rise in air freight volumes.

Throughout 2024, airlines across the Asia-Pacific region collectively transported 365 million international passengers, marking a 30.5% increase from the previous year. Revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) rose by 28.0%, demonstrating strong regional route performance. With available seat capacity expanding by 26.6%, the international passenger load factor climbed by 0.9 percentage points, reaching an annual average of 81.6%.

Meanwhile, the international air cargo sector rebounded following two consecutive years of decline. Freight tonne kilometers (FTK) surged by 14.9% year-on-year, slightly surpassing a 14.6% rise in available cargo capacity. Consequently, the average freight load factor in 2024 inched up by 0.2 percentage points to 61.0%.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General, said, “2024 was a strong year for Asia Pacific airlines. The post-pandemic recovery on North East Asia routes, helped by the relaxation of visa policies, together with overall healthy demand across the region, drove growth in both leisure and business travel markets. This resulted in a 30.5% increase in the number of international passengers carried for the year, reaching a total of 365 million. Consequently, the region’s carriers achieved a record-high international passenger load factor of 81.6% in 2024, amidst capacity constraints stemming from ongoing supply chain shortages and delays in aircraft deliveries.”

Mr. Menon added, “Despite weakness in the global manufacturing sector, Asia Pacific carriers saw significant growth in their air cargo business, driven by a surge in e-commerce sales and the region’s role as a manufacturing hub, particularly in China. Persistent disruptions in maritime shipping also encouraged a modal shift in transport, contributing to the 15% growth in international air cargo demand for the year.”

Looking ahead, Mr. Menon concluded, “The outlook for air travel markets in 2025 remains broadly positive, although growth rates are expected to moderate further. However, airlines continue to face challenges, including rising labour, maintenance, and aircraft leasing costs, as well as operational pressures due to ongoing delays in aircraft deliveries. To navigate these challenges, airlines are focusing on active cost management and seeking the commitment of equipment suppliers to address supply chain problems, while continuing to invest in growth opportunities.”

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