Asia-Pacific airlines post 4.7pc growth in passenger traffic

February 1 2007


AIR travel in the Asia-Pacific region grew 4.7 per cent in 2006 from a year ago and is likely to remain “positive” this year, with strong regional economic growth to underpin demand, an industry group said yesterday.

An easing of global oil prices last year has brought relief to airlines but their profit margins remain under pressure, said the Kuala Lumpur-based Association of Asia Pacific Airlines.


The association said its 17 -member airlines flew a record 134 million passengers last year, compared to 128 million in 2005.


Freight traffic expanded at a faster rate of 5.2 per cent in 2006, reflecting robust regional and international trade flows, it said.


“The outlook for 2007 remains positive, with strong regional economic growth underpinning travel demand,” association director-general Andrew Herdman said in a statement.


Despite lower oil prices, “airline profit margins remain under pressure and point to the need for continuous improvements in productivity and operating efficiency,” the statement said.


The AAPA represents Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, Dragonair, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qantas Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International and Vietnam Airlines. — AP

Source: Businesss Times