Petaling Jaya: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) reported a significant 123.6% year-on-year increase in air passenger numbers, with 19.4 million passengers in Q1 2023 (Q1 2023).
After the full reopening of borders, international passenger traffic increased by an average of 80.9% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ). The number of international air traffic rights granted also showed a notable increase of 246.1% year-on-year, confirming the steady resurgence of the international market. Total passenger traffic reached 73% of his 2019 level.
This is highlighted in the 14th edition of our biannual industry report. waypointThis confirms the booming recovery of Malaysia’s aviation industry in Q1 2023.
Mabcom maintains its Dec-2022 air passenger forecast. The commission expects air passenger numbers to reach 74.6 million to 80.8 million in 2023, up 40% to 52% year-on-year.
Freight performed poorly in the first quarter of 2023. Total cargo ton-kilometers decreased by 11% year-on-year to 4,666 million tons, marking the second consecutive quarter of decline. The decline is in line with Malaysia’s trade performance during the quarter due to several factors, including a slowdown in the global economy, continued shift in consumer spending from products to services, and a downturn in the electrical and electronics industry. .
Air freight traffic is projected to grow between 3% and 4.8% y/y in 2023. Given the poor freight performance in the first quarter of 2023, Mavcom expects freight traffic in 2023 to remain near the lower end of its forecast, suggesting a significant slowdown in growth.
Waypoint notes that the spread between revenue per available seat-kilometer and cost per available seat-kilometer stabilized at 1.6 cents in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Mabcom Executive Chairman Datuk Seri Salipuddin Kasim said: This remarkable performance not only demonstrates our resilience, but also provides a solid foundation for continued growth in this area through 2023. “
Reflecting the booming recovery of the airline industry, Malaysia’s air connectivity ranking improved to 5th in ASEAN, overtaking the Philippines with a connectivity score of 61 in 2022. This improvement can be attributed to increased deployment of international seats to more heavily weighted destinations. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminals 1 and 2 combined) maintained its position as her fourth busiest airport in ASEAN.
“The Commission looks forward to continuing to support the industry and its stakeholders through a variety of initiatives specifically focused on the industry. waypoint report. This will not only guide informed decision-making for Malaysian aviation industry stakeholders, but also in fostering a resilient, consumer-oriented aviation sector that is key to Malaysia’s broader economic growth. It will continue to be an important tool in the future,” Salipuddin said.
