Despite economic uncertainty worldwide, air travel demand in April in the Asia Pacific remained fairly strong according to preliminary data from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).
The 37 Asia Pacific carriers totaled 31.3 million international travelers in April, up 10.5% year over year. The average load factor grew by 0.7 percentage points to 82.4%, while seat capacity expanded by 11.7% year over year. Demand also rose by 12.6%, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK).
Cargo operations also showed strength despite uncertainty surrounding tariffs and a global trade war, with international air cargo demand growing by 4.9% year over year. AAPA added that April’s demand “…was supported by the advance loading of shipments on selected routes and the rerouting of goods to alternative gateways.”
Foreign visitor numbers from each country mostly back this up, too. Singapore recorded 1.4 million foreign visitors in April, a 4.2% increase year over year, while Vietnam netted 1.6 million foreign visitors, a 6.5% increase year over year. I’ve also been discussing Japan’s record numbers of international visitors a lot lately, which recorded the most visitors in a single month in the nation’s history at 3.9 million, up a whopping 28.5% year over year.
Most other Asian markets follow the same trend in tourism growth, with Japan leading the way by a large margin. Chinese travelers continue to be a major feeder to surrounding countries, such as Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand.
In terms of the region’s future outlook, I think the strength of the Chinese market will play a major role in how tourism numbers play out in the Asia Pacific given the global trade war. China is a massive market that ultimately can’t be ignored, and its citizens’ willingness to travel, given certain economic conditions, will be important to watch going forward.
Mr. Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General, gave some warnings regarding the ongoing global trade war. “The trade disputes and softening macroeconomic conditions may signal challenging times for air travel and cargo markets in the months ahead. This will place further strain on already thin profit margins in the airline industry. Overall, the region’s carriers remain vigilant, actively monitoring market developments and ready to adapt swiftly to evolving conditions.”
All photos taken by the author.
