Dhaka, July 12 -- Asia Pacific carriers posted a combined net profit of US$7.3 billion in 2024, according to preliminary financial results released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).

The industry benefited from continued growth in passenger traffic and a recovery in air cargo demand, although operating conditions remained difficult due to supply chain disruptions and rising costs.

Passenger demand rose by 19.9pc year-on-year, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), supported by strong business and leisure travel both within the region and globally.

On the cargo side, a 13.9pc increase in international air freight demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), marked a rebound after two years of decline....