The Asia-Pacific region has been badly impacted by the pandemic. Tom Batchelor looks at measures being taken by aviation stakeholders to ensure its recovery.
No part of the global aviation industry has emerged unscathed from COVID-19, but the Asia-Pacific region has undeniably fared worse than most when it comes to recovery. Collectively, the region’s airlines represent more than a third of global passenger and air cargo traffic. However, travel volumes in 2021 are around 6% of those seen in 2019 – according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) – compared t around 30-40% of 2019 levels achieved in North America, Europe and the Middle East. The Asia-Pacific region also continues to have some of the most stringent travel restrictions amid a recent resurgence of the virus and the spread of its latest variant.
However, there are glimmers of hope. Australia and Thailand, two big players, were the first to open up to international travel, and the green shoots of an aviation comeback have begun to emerge. With mature economies, such as Japan and New Zealand, coupled with rapidly growing markets elsewhere, the Asia-Pacific region’s diverse markets should enable it to bounce back.
The booming car…
