Airlines

APAC Airlines Carry 27 Million International Passengers In January, Up 50% YoY

Published

5 months ago

March 29, 2024

Admin

APAC Airlines Carry 27 Million International Passengers In January, Up 50% YoY. In January 2024, the Asia Pacific region witnessed a significant surge in international air travel, marking an impressive milestone in the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The festivities surrounding the Lunar New Year contributed to the heightened demand for overseas travel, reflecting positively on the aviation sector in the region. According to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), the month saw a remarkable increase in passenger numbers and cargo activity, indicating a promising start to the year for airlines operating in the APAC region.

APAC Airlines Carry 27 Million International Passengers In January, Up 50% YoY

The latest data released by the AAPA showcases a notable growth trajectory for APAC airlines, with a staggering 49.4% increase in international passenger numbers compared to the same period last year. This surge translated to a combined total of 27.0 million international passengers in January, reflecting a robust recovery momentum. Furthermore, the passenger traffic reached an impressive 82% of pre-pandemic levels, indicating a substantial rebound in travel demand within the region.

Lunar New Year Boost

The Lunar New Year festivities played a pivotal role in driving the surge in air travel demand, with leisure travelers contributing significantly to the increased passenger numbers. The timing of the festive period coincided with heightened travel activity, further bolstering the performance of APAC airlines in January. Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General, highlighted the positive start to the year, attributing it to the surge in leisure travel and heightened demand for air cargo shipments during the festive period.

Cargo Growth Amidst Festive Season

In addition to the impressive rise in passenger numbers, January also witnessed a surge in cargo activity, fueled by the demands of the Lunar New Year festival. International air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTK), recorded a substantial 22.5% year-on-year increase, continuing the upward trend observed in the previous quarter. The festive season led to a surge in freighter operations, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of APAC airlines in catering to evolving market demands.

Airlines Expansion Strategies

The buoyant performance of APAC airlines in January is further underscored by their strategic expansion initiatives and fleet enhancements. Leading carriers such as Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, leveraging opportunities for growth and market expansion. Cathay Pacific’s remarkable passenger numbers in 2023 and its recent network expansions exemplify the renewed optimism within the industry.

Conclusion

The impressive performance of APAC airlines in January 2024 reflects a promising outlook for the aviation sector in the region. The significant growth in international passenger traffic, coupled with robust cargo activity, underscores the resilience and adaptability of airlines amidst challenging circumstances. As the industry continues its recovery journey, strategic expansion initiatives and market-driven approaches will play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of APAC aviation.

Airlines

A Manufacturing Branch Could Be Opened By Turkish Airlines

Published

3 months ago

June 12, 2024

Admin

A Manufacturing Branch Could Be Opened By Turkish Airlines. Turkish Airlines (TK), headquartered in Istanbul, is embarking on an ambitious plan to bolster Türkiye aeronautical industry and alleviate global supply chain challenges. According to a report by Bloomberg, the airline aims to augment its aircraft component manufacturing business, selling parts to other carriers while forging partnerships with industry giant Boeing.

This strategic move seeks to domestically produce seats and engine components, tapping into Türkiye potential capacity to provide a reliable source of supply amidst industry-wide delays and the need to extend the lifespan of older aircraft models.

Turkish Airlines Chairman Vision

Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of Turkish Airlines, expressed optimism about the potential collaboration with Boeing, emphasizing the mutual benefits it could yield. Bolat highlighted that leveraging Türkiye’s manufacturing prowess could address the pressing supply chain demands faced by Boeing and the aviation industry as a whole.

Ongoing Negotiations And Strategic Orders

Negotiations between Turkish Airlines and Boeing are in an advanced stage, with the airline eyeing a substantial aircraft order. This development comes in the wake of Turkish Airlines’ previous agreement with Airbus for 220 aircraft, underlining its commitment to fleet modernization and strategic growth. Chief Financial Officer Murat Şeker reiterated the significance of these orders in securing the airline’s future growth prospects during an annual investor call.

Current Fleet And Future Expansion

Turkish Airlines currently holds orders for 292 aircraft, comprising a mix of Airbus A321-200NX, A350-1000s, A350-900s, A350Fs, and Boeing 787-9s. While negotiations with Boeing progress, discussions with engine manufacturer CFM International have encountered challenges, primarily concerning pricing disputes, as reported by Swiss aviation news outlet AeroTELEGRAPH.

Future Prospects And Fleet Dynamics

Although Turkish Airlines recently opted for Airbus A350 aircraft, the possibility of incorporating Boeing B777X remains open for future considerations. Despite the existing order, the airline remains flexible in its fleet expansion plans, indicating potential avenues for collaboration beyond its current commitments.

Conclusion

Turkish Airlines strategic initiatives to expand its aircraft component manufacturing business signify a significant step towards invigorating Türkiye aeronautical industry and addressing global supply chain bottlenecks. With ongoing negotiations with Boeing and a robust order backlog, the airline is poised to fortify its position in the aviation market while contributing to Türkiye’s industrial growth trajectory.