Asia-Pacific airlines report profit upswing in 2015

Asia-Pacific airlines saw a move to an overall US$6.9b in net earnings in calendar year 2015 compared to a collective loss of $1.2b during 2014, according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines. The organisation attributed the upswing to sustained growth in passenger markets, lower fuel prices and carrier operating efficiencies. "Asia-Pacific carriers saw a welcome return to profitability in 2015, after suffering aggregate losses in the previous year,” AAPA DG Andrew Herdman said. He added that regional operators generated an average operating margin of 8.3%, compared to 1% in 2014, boosted by a record average passenger load factor of 78.4%. Asia-Pacific carriers saw aggregated operating revenues of $166.9b for 2015, down 5.6% from $176.8b in 2014. Passenger revenue also fell 5.4% to $128.4b. <br/>