Asia Pacific Airlines Soar in January 2025, Carrying Over Thirty Million Passengers Amid Lunar New Year Travel Surge

Published on February 26, 2025

Preliminary January 2025 traffic data released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) highlights a strong performance in international passenger markets, fueled by a surge in leisure travel during the Lunar New Year festive period.

The region’s airlines recorded a robust 19.9% year-on-year growth, carrying a total of 35.2 million international passengers in January. Demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), surged 22.5%, significantly outpacing the 17.4% year-on-year increase in available seat capacity. As a result, the average international passenger load factor rose 3.5 percentage points, reaching an elevated 83.7% for the month.

Despite concerns over global trade uncertainties, Asia Pacific air cargo markets sustained growth into the new year. Stronger demand for consumer goods ahead of the festive season contributed to a 4.7% year-on-year increase in international air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK). This growth builds on the double-digit gains recorded in January 2024.

Expansion in belly-hold space led to a 10.9% year-on-year rise in available freight capacity. However, the international freight load factor dipped 3.3 percentage points, settling at 55.2% for the month.

The AAPA’s January 2025 report underscores the continued resilience of air travel and cargo markets in the region, driven by seasonal demand and expanding capacity.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General, said, “The year began on a positive note for Asia Pacific carriers, with both international air passenger and cargo markets posting encouraging growth, underpinned by the timing of the Lunar New Year holidays.”

Mr. Menon added, “The relatively high load factors reflect strong demand but also ongoing capacity constraints, compounded by the grounding of aircraft due to engine issues and delays in aircraft deliveries. These challenges have contributed to an increase in expenditure on maintenance, aircraft leasing, and labour, while greater competition saw to lower yields and operating margins.”

Looking ahead, Mr. Menon concluded, “Growth prospects remain promising in the coming months, against a backdrop of steady expansion in global economic activity. However, ongoing geopolitical and trade tensions pose potential risks to both business sentiment and consumer demand in the months ahead. The region’s airlines are closely monitoring developments, whilst carefully managing costs to boost operating economics.”