- Asia Pacific carriers banked US$12.1bn in net profit in 2025, up from US$7.2bn in 2024.
- Operating revenue rose 4.3pc to US$223.7bn.
- Passenger revenue rose 4.7pc to US$178.4bn, with demand up 7.7pc.
- Fuel expenditure fell 3.7pc as jet fuel averaged US$88.8 a barrel, down 9.5pc.
- IATA halved its 2026 global profit forecast to US$23bn after fuel prices surged.
Asia Pacific carriers banked a combined US$12.1bn in net profit in 2025, driven by resilient passenger demand and a dip in fuel prices.
Preliminary figures from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed the region’s 27 member carriers lifted aggregated operating revenue by 4.3pc to US$223.7bn, up from US$214.5bn in 2024. The profit figure compared favourably with US$7.2bn in 2024.
Passenger revenue rose 4.7pc to US$178.4bn, with systemwide demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres up 7.7pc for the year. Passenger yields slipped 2.8pc to 7.8 US cents per RPK, indicating capacity grew faster than fares. Cargo revenue edged up 1.4pc to US$23.6bn on a 3.5pc rise in freight tonne kilometres, while cargo yields fell 2.0pc to 32.1 US cents per FTK as freight rates softened.
Fuel expenditure fell 3.7pc to US$58.3bn as jet fuel averaged US$88.8 a barrel through the year, 9.5pc lower than in 2024. Non-fuel costs jumped 7.8pc to US$151.1bn, with staffing, aircraft leasing, maintenance and airport charges all pushing higher. IATA halved its 2026 global profit forecast to US$23bn after jet fuel prices surged following the Iran conflict.
AAPA Director Wong Hong shared, “The region’s airlines began 2025 in a position of strength, with firm passenger and cargo demand carrying them through a year of profitable growth despite the added weight of inflation and supply chain strain on non-fuel costs. “Fuel costs, airlines’ single largest expense, were on track to rise again this year. Asia Pacific carriers are continuing to expand their networks and service offerings while holding the line on costs.”
