Market Intelligence: Asia Pacific
IATA: Global Air Travel Demand Continued Its Bounce Back in 2023
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the recovery in air travel continued in December 2023 and total 2023 traffic edged even closer to matching pre-pandemic demand.
Total traffic in 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 36.9% compared to 2022. Globally, full year 2023 traffic was at 94.1% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. December 2023 total traffic rose 25.3% compared to December 2022 and reached 97.5% of the December 2019 level. Fourth quarter traffic was at 98.2% of 2019, reflecting the strong recovery towards the end of the year.
International traffic in 2023 climbed 41.6% versus 2022 and reached 88.6% of 2019 levels. December 2023 international traffic climbed 24.2% over December 2022, reaching 94.7% of the level in December 2019. Fourth quarter traffic was at 94.5% of 2019.
Domestic traffic for 2023 rose 30.4% compared to the prior year. 2023 domestic traffic was 3.9% above the full year 2019 level. December 2023 domestic traffic was up 27.0% over the year earlier period and was at 2.3% above December 2019 traffic. Fourth quarter traffic was 4.4% higher than the same quarter in 2019.
“The strong post-pandemic rebound continued in 2023. December traffic stood just 2.5% below 2019 levels, with a strong performance in quarter 4, teeing-up airlines for a return to normal growth patterns in 2024. The recovery in travel is good news. The restoration of connectivity is powering the global economy as people travel to do business, further their educations, take hard-earned vacations and much more. But to maximize the benefits of air travel in the post-pandemic world, governments need to take a strategic approach. That means providing cost-efficient infrastructure to meet demand, incentivizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production to meet our net zero carbon emission goal by 2050, and adopting regulations that deliver a clear cost-benefit. Completing the recovery must not be an excuse for governments to forget the critical role of aviation to increasing the prosperity and well-being of people and businesses the world over,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
International Passenger Markets
Asia-Pacific airlines posted a 126.1% rise in full year international 2023 traffic compared to 2022, maintaining the strongest year-over-year rate among the regions. Capacity rose 101.8% and the load factor climbed 9.0 percentage points to 83.1%. December 2023 traffic rose 56.9% compared to December 2022.
European carriers’ full year traffic climbed 22.0% versus 2022. Capacity increased 17.5%, and load factor rose 3.1 percentage points to 83.8%. For December, demand climbed 13.6% compared to the same month in 2022. December traffic was higher than the corresponding month in 2019 for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
Middle Eastern airlines saw a 33.3% traffic rise in 2023 compared to 2022. Capacity increased 26.0% and load factor climbed 4.4 percentage points to 80.1%. December demand climbed 16.6% compared to the same month in 2022.
North American carriers reported a 28.3% annual traffic rise in 2023 compared to 2022. Capacity increased 22.4%, and load factor climbed 3.9 percentage points to 84.6%. December 2023 traffic rose 13.5% compared to the year-ago period.
Latin American airlines posted a 28.6% traffic rise in 2023 over full year 2022. Annual capacity climbed 25.4% and load factor increased 2.1 percentage points to 84.7%, the highest among the regions. December demand climbed 26.5% compared to December 2022.
African airlines’ annual traffic rose 38.7% in 2023 versus the prior year. Full year 2023 capacity was up 38.3% and load factor climbed 0.2 percentage points to 71.9%, the lowest among regions. December 2023 traffic for African airlines rose 9.5% over December 2022.
China’s full year domestic traffic rose 138.8% versus 2022, and is now 7.1% above the 2019 level.
Australia (-4.2% compared to 2019) and Japan (-3.2% compared to 2019) are the only major domestic markets yet to recover pre-pandemic traffic demand.
Source: IATA
Photo Credit: IATA
Related Posts
Regional Aircraft Manufacturer ATR Announces Latest Appointment for Head of Human Resources
ATR, the world’s leading manufacturer of regional aircraft, announced the appointment of Maria Teresa Pedra Bruñó as its new Head of Human Resources, effective February 1, 2024. She succeeds Sadika Moussaoui, who takes on new responsibilities within the Airbus Commercial management team.
In this role, Maria Teresa oversees all human resources strategy and operations for ATR worldwide. She is based at the company’s global headquarters in Toulouse, France, and reports directly to the CEO.
Maria Teresa brings over 20 years of human resources experience to ATR, having held various HR roles of increasing responsibility within Airbus Commercial since 2003. Most recently, she served as Head of Talent and Executive Management, where she focused on promoting diversity, inclusion and leadership development.
“We are delighted to welcome Maria Teresa to our executive team,” said ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude. “Her deep HR expertise and international experience will be invaluable assets as we continue to strengthen our company culture and embrace all the opportunities of a constantly evolving environment. The way we manage our talents will be decisive in maintaining our leadership and relevance on the regional market. I also want to thank Sadika for her precious contribution over the years to develop our people, foster engagement, leadership, collaboration and inclusivity, and wish her the very best going forward.”
Previously, Maria Teresa served as HR Manager in Germany, supporting employees and activities related to the A400M final assembly line in Seville. In France since 2008, Maria Teresa was Head of Recruitment for Airbus in France, playing a key role in hiring for the A350 programme. She also served different businesses like Technology, Commercial and International as Senior HR Business Partner.
Source: ATR Aircraft
Photo Credit: ATR Aircraft
Related Posts
Australian Airline Seeks Applicants for its 2024 Cadet Pilot Program
Related Posts
VR Flight Training Solutions Provider True Course Simulations Hints Upcoming Deployment of Virtual Reality Simulators to Australia
United States headquartered flight training simulation solution provider True Course Simulations has hinted that devices will be deployed to Sydney, Australia.
Earlier this month the simulator manufacturer shared the advatages of the incorporation of its devices into training – flight training is a critical phase in the journey of aspiring pilots, and flight schools often encounter various challenges that can hinder their effectiveness. True Course Simulations, a pioneering company specializing in Virtual Reality (VR) flight training, offers innovative solutions to address these challenges, benefiting both students and flight schools alike.
Better Prepared Students
Flight schools want their students to be well-prepared for their flights. True Course Simulations achieves this by providing immersive VR training environments that allow students to practice and refine their skills in a safe and controlled setting. This ensures that students gain essential knowledge and confidence before they ever step into an actual aircraft.
Reduced Training Hours
Flight training can be expensive and time-consuming. True Course Simulations helps students achieve their licenses more efficiently by offering realistic VR scenarios that allow for repeated practice without the limitations of aircraft availability or weather conditions. This can significantly reduce the number of flight hours required for certification.
Shortage of Instructors and High Student Ratios
With VR training, flight schools can alleviate the burden of instructor shortages and high student-to-instructor ratios. Virtual instructors can guide multiple students simultaneously, offering personalized feedback and guidance, thereby improving the learning experience and ensuring more efficient progress.
Weather, Maintenance, and Instructor Availability
Aircraft downtime due to weather, maintenance, or instructor unavailability can disrupt training schedules. True Course Simulations mitigates these issues by offering consistent access to training scenarios regardless of external factors. This continuity ensures that students can maintain a steady learning pace.
Remedial Training
For students who require extra training or remediation, True Course Simulations provides an ideal platform. Students can revisit challenging scenarios, practice emergency procedures, and improve specific skills until they reach proficiency, all within a controlled and supportive VR environment.
Eliminating Gaps Between Flights
The gaps between flights, caused by various factors, can hinder student progress. With VR training, students can continue their learning and skill development during these downtime periods, ensuring that they stay engaged and retain what they’ve learned.
Emergency Training
True Course Simulations allows flight schools to simulate emergencies in a safe and controlled environment. Students can practice responding to critical situations, honing their decision-making skills and improving their ability to handle emergencies during actual flights.
Cost Reduction
The cost of flight training can be a barrier to aspiring pilots. VR training reduces costs associated with fuel, aircraft maintenance, and instructor fees. This can make flight training more affordable and accessible, helping students pursue their dreams of becoming pilots.
Reducing Carbon Emissions
Flight schools are increasingly concerned about environmental impact. By reducing the need for actual flight hours, True Course Simulations helps flight schools contribute to lower carbon emissions, aligning with sustainability goals and mandates.
Assessment and Readiness Insights
True Course Simulations offers flight schools valuable insights into their students’ abilities and readiness. Schools can track progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that only students truly prepared for flight are sent up in the air, maximizing safety and efficiency.
True Course Simulations provides a transformative solution to many of the challenges faced by flight schools. By leveraging virtual reality technology, they enhance training efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety, ultimately helping students achieve their goals and ensuring flight schools can operate more effectively in a rapidly changing aviation landscape.
Source: True Course Simulations
Photo Credit: True Course Simulations
Related Posts
Airbus Announces Commercial Aircraft Orders and Deliveries for the Month of January 2024
In January 2024, aircraft manufacturer Airbus:
- Delivered 30 aircraft to 18 customers
- 2 A220-300
- 13 A320neo
- 13 A321neo
- 2 A330-900
- Secured 31 orders
- 11 A330-900
- 20 A350-100
- Year to date Airbus has delivered 30 aircraft to 18 customers.
AFM Team Note – kindly contact us for a detailed excel breakdown of orders and deliveries by airline.
Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
Related Posts
Several Flight Schools in Australia Express Concerns Due to Potential Relocation Necessitated by the Upcoming New International Airport
Related Posts
Australian Military to Expand Pilot Training Infrastructure with Helicopters and Simulator in 2024
Related Posts
Aircraft Manufacturer Reportedly Notifies Airlines of Additional Delays in Delivery Due to Supply Changes
Related Posts
Flight Simulator Manufacturer Loft Dynamics Announces Latest Appointment for Chief Service Officer
Loft Dynamics announces that Sabrina Barbera has joined the leadership team as Chief Service Officer to support the company’s rapid growth. Sabrina provides a profound background within the helicopter industry. She will lead the Flight Simulator Training Device Organization (FSTDO) team consisting of aviation and compliance specialists to offer high standard simulator training services to the aviation industry.
Profound training management and helicopter industry background
Sabrina studied mechanical engineering and has completed a Master Degree of Science in Operational Research. She developed profound competencies working 17 years for Airbus Helicopters at different positions including occupying the positions of the Vice-President Head of Company Development, Strategy M&A and Vice President Head of Training and Flight Operation Services. Before joining Loft Dynamics she lead the team of Blade Europe as Executive Director. “We are pleased to have successfully recruited such a competent individual as Sabrina. This enables us to expand our FSTDO services, ultimately benefiting our customers and advancing flight safety in the industry,” Fabi Riesen, Founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics says.
Developing pilot training in the interests of flight safety
Many aviation experts and pilots have already recognized the potential of Loft Dynamics’ training solutions. Sabrina observed the development of the Loft Dynamics team at an early stage. She remarks: “I noticed the potential of these high-quality products to significantly enhance flight safety at affordable costs years ago. It’s satisfying to now be part of the journey, reinventing pilot training by effectively introducing innovation and new technologies to the aviation industry. We support customers in transforming their training, benefiting from this new technology. I appreciate the efficiency and agility of the Loft Dynamics team.”
“The first time I met the team at Loft Dynamics, I immediately recognized the potential that their technology holds for the aviation industry, especially in terms of its significant impact on training and safety. I am genuinely excited to contribute to the team and be part of the journey in developing flight training,” said Sabrina Barbera, CSO, Loft Dynamics.
Sabrina personally
Sabrina grew up in France and worked several years in Canada, Australia and southern part of France. She has a passion for helicopters in particular and aviation in general. Sabrina loves being in the mountains for climbing and hiking, enjoys going on ski tours, or engaging in sports wherever she is.
Offering strong and comprehensive flight training solutions including services
Loft Dynamics offers not only highly realistic professional flight simulators but also a comprehensive service to customers, including training services. Loft Dynamics provides various services, from planning the installation to qualifying the device under EASA regulations with its own Flight Simulator Training Device Organization (FSTDO). This relieves customers from technical and administrative tasks involved in operating the devices. Overall, Loft Dynamics products reduce training costs and improve flight safety while at the same time scaling down the ecological footprint of the aviation industry.
About Loft Dynamics
Loft Dynamics AG (formerly VRM Switzerland) specializes in designing, manufacturing and operating VR flight simulation training devices (FSTDs) for various aircraft systems. Founded in 2016, our mission is to revolutionize global aviation by providing best-in-class pilot training that is safe, accessible and affordable. Our immersive simulators, equipped with a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform and a full-scale replica cockpit with a unique pose tracking system, are 20 times less expensive and 10 times smaller than traditional flight simulators. As an ISO 9001-certified flight simulation training device operator, we provide continuous and comprehensive customer support, from installation and maintenance to training and regulatory approvals. Leading manufacturers, airlines, operators, schools and organizations worldwide choose Loft Dynamics simulators — the world’s first and only VR FSTDs with EASA FTD Level 3 regulatory approval. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, our team comprises passionate engineers, developers and aviation experts.
Source: Loft Dynamics
Photo Credit: Loft Dynamics