Asia Pacific airlines continued to experience strong passenger growth in the past 12 months, though the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines warns competition among carriers is now fiercer than ever.

Delegates gathering at this year’s AAPA Assembly of Presidents meeting in Bali announced positive growth prospects for the long term and discussed the diverse challenges of the aviation industry.

In a market outlook, the AAPA advised Asia Pacific airlines to continuously review their fleet and network development plans in line with evolving market trends in order to improve profitability and ensure long-term sustainability.

It also noted the region’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards and emphasized the airlines’ dedication to industry sustainability targets, including fuel efficiency improvements through a four-pillar strategy comprising technology, alternative fuels, operations and infrastructure improvements.

“Although the Asia Pacific region is now well established as the global air transport industry’s largest market, with the highest share of traffic and passengers, the innovative approaches adopted by the region’s airlines in offering a diversity of product and service offerings to the travelling public has resulted in an intensely competitive market,” said Andrew Herdman, director general, Association of Asia Pacific Airlines. “Whilst the outlook for continued passenger growth looks positive, the cargo situation is more uncertain. Overall, there is continued pressure on airline leaders from the region who are endeavouring to boost profitability to support future growth.”

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