The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has released preliminary traffic data for February 2025, highlighting sustained growth in both international passenger and cargo markets, fueled by robust business and consumer demand throughout the region.

In February, Asia-Pacific carriers transported a total of 30.8 million international passengers, marking a 5.9% rise compared to the same period in the previous year, largely driven by the Lunar New Year holiday. Passenger demand, as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), surged by 9.2% year-on-year, particularly on long-haul routes. Additionally, available seat capacity expanded by 8.6%, leading to a slight increase of 0.4 percentage points in the average international passenger load factor, which reached 82.2% for the month.

On the cargo side, international air freight demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), saw a more modest 2.8% year-on-year growth in February, as export activities slowed, particularly in major manufacturing hubs like China, due to the festive season. Freight capacity increased by 6.0%, surpassing the growth in demand and resulting in a 1.7 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor, which stood at 56.5% for the month.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General, said, “In the first two months of the year, combined international passenger traffic for the region’s carriers rose by a robust 13%, reaching a total of 66 million passengers. During the same period, international air cargo demand increased by 4% year-on-year, supported by higher demand for consumer and intermediate goods.”

Looking ahead, Mr. Menon said, “Overall, airlines are expected to continue to benefit from sustained travel demand and growth in air shipments as a result of ongoing expansion in e-commerce activity. However, the region’s carriers are facing headwinds, particularly as rising costs, driven in part by fleet capacity constraints, continue to exert pressure on revenue.”

Mr. Menon added, “The recent rise in protectionist sentiment also presents potential challenges to trade and broader business activity. In response, Asian airlines are maintaining a cautious stance, closely monitoring evolving operating conditions while actively exploring opportunities in high-potential growth markets.”