Preliminary financial performance figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed that Asia Pacific airlines achieved US$12.1 billion in combined net profits in 2025, driven by firm passenger and cargo demand, while lower fuel prices helped offset cost pressures arising from ongoing supply chain disruptions.
For the year, Asia Pacific airlines recorded US$223.7 billion in aggregated operating revenue, a 4.3% increase from US$214.5 billion in 2024. Passenger revenue rose by 4.7% to US$178.4 billion, driven by healthy growth in passenger traffic, which helped offset the impact of a 2.8% decline in passenger yields to 7.8 US cents per RPK. Cargo revenue increased by 1.4% to US$23.6 billion, despite weakness in freight rates, as reflected in a 2.0% fall in cargo yields to 32.1 US cents per FTK.
Amid positive global economic conditions last year, the region recorded a 7.7% increase in systemwide passenger demand, as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), with both long-haul and intra-regional travel remaining buoyant. Systemwide air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), rose by 3.5%, supported by front-loading activities ahead of tariff hikes, as airlines responded swiftly to evolving trade flows.
Combined operating expenses increased by 4.3% to US$209.4 billion for the year, led by a 7.8% jump in non-fuel costs to US$151.1 billion. Ongoing supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures contributed to higher expenditure on staff, leasing, maintenance and airport charges. By contrast, fuel expenditure declined by 3.7% to US$58.3 billion, reflecting a 9.5% fall in global jet fuel prices to an average of US$88.8 per barrel. As a result, the share of fuel expenditure as a percentage of total operating costs decreased by 2.3 percentage points to 27.8% in 2025.
Commenting on the financial results, Mr. Wong Hong, AAPA Director General said, “Asia Pacific airlines entered 2025 from a position of strength, with robust passenger and cargo demand supporting another year of profitable growth. While easing fuel prices provided some relief, persistent supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures pushed non-fuel operating costs higher. Despite these headwinds, the region’s carriers maintained operating margins at 6.4%, reflecting continued operational discipline and nimbleness in responding to evolving market conditions.”
Mr. Wong Hong added, “Although the region’s carriers remain on a solid footing, the challenging operating environment of the past few months shows no sign of abating. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, together with broader geopolitical tensions, is likely to contribute to continued volatility in oil and currency markets.”
“Airlines are facing a persistently high operating cost environment, exacerbated by a sharp increase in jet fuel prices. Consequently, fuel expenditure, the largest single operating cost item for airlines, is expected to rise this year.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Wong Hong said, “Increasing cost pressures may weigh on consumer spending and business sentiment in the coming months. Nevertheless, the outlook remains broadly positive, as passenger and air cargo markets are currently holding firm, supported by 4.4% growth in the region’s economy this year. Asia Pacific carriers continue to expand their networks and service offerings, while maintaining strict cost controls in a challenging operating environment.”
