(29 Jan 2021) Preliminary full-year traffic results from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) highlight the collapse of international airline operations in 2020 as a result of the ongoing global COVID19 pandemic.
The 69 million passengers carried by Asia Pacific airlines in the year 2020 represents only 18% of volumes recorded in 2019, an extent of decline in 12 months not seen in the region’s history of commercial aviation.
Offered seat capacity was similarly just 19% of the levels recorded in 2019, while the international passenger load factor averaged 61%.
Mr. Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General, said, “The dismal numbers underline the severity of the impact of the pandemic on the airline industry. The discovery of several effective vaccines towards the end of 2020 provided hope that recovery was on the horizon as large scale vaccinations of their people, will give governments the confidence to allow travellers from abroad without restrictions’.”
In December 2020, air cargo demand improved further in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), recording a single digit year on-year decline of 6.4%.
For the calendar year, international air cargo demand fell by 15.5%, whilst offered freight capacity plunged by 24.4%. The average international freight load factor rose significantly, by 7 percentage points to 66.4% in 2020, with cargo yields offering a welcome boost to operating revenue, although airlines continued to face an existential crisis with commercial passenger operations remaining at a standstill.
“It will take time for the roll-out of vaccinations across the world, as well as for the pandemic to recede globally,” Mr. Menon added. “Looking ahead, many industry challenges remain, as restrictions on cross border travel will continue to affect air travel demand in 2021. We encourage governments to step up coordination efforts on cross border risk mitigation measures and health protocols. The implementation of harmonised protocols, incorporating the ICAO CART Take-Off Guidance, is imperative for the safe resumption of travel. Asia Pacific aviation is ready and willing to play its part in the successful restart and recovery in the region.”
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