Asian airlines saw international air cargo demand fall 15.5% in 2020, while offered freight capacity plunged by 24.4%, according to preliminary traffic results from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).
In December 2020, air cargo demand improved further in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), recording a single digit year on-year decline of 6.4%.
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.
Asia Pacific airlines account for over a third of global air cargo traffic with strong networks and logistics expertise built up over the years.
The 69 million passengers carried by Asia Pacific airlines in the year 2020 represented only 18% of volumes recorded in 2019, an extent of decline in 12 months not seen in the region’s history of commercial aviation.
Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General Subhas Menon 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’’.
Menon added: “It will take time for the roll-out of vaccinations across the world, as well as for the pandemic to recede globally. 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.”
