Bangkok: India and China are leading the surge in air traffic across the Asia Pacific, according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). This group includes 18 airlines, such as Air India. They’re optimistic that air travel will keep growing in the region by 2026, thanks to strong economies and a high demand for both passengers and cargo.
Subhas Menon, the AAPA Director General, noted that India has experienced a remarkable 16% growth in international air traffic in the first half of this year. He pointed out that this growth is a key factor in the rising demand for air travel.
Menon highlighted India as a market with vast potential. It is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally. A recent Airbus forecast predicts that the Asia Pacific will need nearly 20,000 new planes in the next 20 years, primarily driven by demands from India and China.
In the first nine months of this year, air traffic in the Asia Pacific grew by 10%. Menon emphasized that Air India plays a significant role in AAPA, representing a large segment of this market.
He remarked, “Air India has a rich history. They’re working hard to improve, and we should give them time.”
AAPA has been focusing on adapting to supply chain challenges. While airlines have been managing capacity well, Menon cautioned that rising tariffs could add to existing bottlenecks. The recent assembly of AAPA addressed aviation sustainability, supply chain issues, and regulations concerning lithium batteries in flights.
They also discussed the need for better investments and regional cooperation in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services. AAPA has called for a shift towards a circular economy in aviation, which includes recycling and reusing aircraft materials.
Overall, the air travel landscape in Asia Pacific is dynamic and evolving, and collaboration among airlines and regulatory bodies is essential to foster continued growth.
For more insights, you can check the latest report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which offers statistical data and trends in the aviation industry.
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