PRELIMINARY figures for 2024 from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), revealed strong growth in both international air passenger and cargo markets, reports Singapore's Payload Asia.

The increase in flight frequencies alongside network expansions supported solid growth in travel demand, while robust e-commerce activity and disruptions to maritime shipping drove air cargo volumes higher.

In aggregate, Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined total of 365 million international passengers in 2024, representing a 30.5 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

International air cargo markets recorded healthy growth in 2024, after two years in decline. Demand measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK) rebounded with a solid 14.9 per cent increase for the year, slightly outpacing a 14.6 per cent growth in offered freight capacity. As a result, the average international freight load factor rose by a marginal 0.2 percentage points to 61 per cent in 2024.

Demand as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) increased by 28 per cent, reflecting relative strength on regional routes. After accounting for a 26.6 per cent expansion in available seat capacity, the average international passenger load factor rose 0.9 percentage points higher to 81.6 per cent for the year.

Said AAPA director general Subhas Menon: "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.

"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, Mr Menon said.

"Persistent disruptions in maritime shipping also encouraged a modal shift in transport, contributing to the 15 per cent growth in international air cargo demand for the year, he said.