Asia Pacific Powers Aviation Performance: Skift Travel Health Index
Skift Take
Key Points
- The aviation sector showed a 19% year-on-year growth in October, with Asia Pacific leading with a 33% increase.
- Asia Pacific dominates in flight searches and bookings, with over 30% growth in the airline index indicators.
- Airport lounge visits in Asia Pacific have surged, with international visits growing 37% over 2019 levels as of October 2024.
Summary
The Skift Travel Health Index indicates the aviation industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a 19% increase year-on-year as of October, led by Asia Pacific's 33% surge. This region also shows significant growth in flight searches and bookings. Additionally, airport lounge visits have increased, with international visits up 37% from 2019 levels, highlighting the rising demand for premium travel experiences.
The aviation industry, one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic, is turning in fast growth. The aviation component of the Skift Travel Health Index gained 19% year-on-year in October, our most recent reading.
According to the Skift Travel Health Index: October 2024 Highlights, aviation performance surged across all regions, but Asia Pacific led the way with a 33% increase.
We can further break down our airline index into into indicators such as flight searches and bookings, and the Asia-Pacific region dominates in all of them with more than 30% growth.
Read the latest Travel Health Index Highlights for data across all regions.
Growing Demand for Airport Lounges
The Travel Health Index also incorporates growth in airport lounge visits. Domestic lounge visits in the Asia-Pacific region surpassed 2019 levels by mid-2022, while those by international visitors took longer due to the delayed re-opening after the pandemic. However, 2024 witnessed a swift rebound, and as of October 2024, international lounge visits have grown 37% over 2019.
Note: Australia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, India, and Singapore are the countries tracked in the Asia Pacific region.
A survey by Collinson revealed that airport lounge access is the top travel-related credit card perk for 44% of Asia-Pacific travelers, surpassing benefits like security fast-track and airport transfers. A significant 90% of these travelers consider lounge access essential for any fee-based credit card.
This growing demand for premium travel experiences reflects a desire for comfort, convenience, and exclusivity. Airport lounges offer a variety of amenities, including comfortable seating, high-speed Wi-Fi, gourmet dining, and spa treatments.
Read the October 2024 Highlights for more insights and the Travel Health Index dashboard to visualize the data.
Photo Credit: Star Alliance / Star Alliance
Up Next
How Airlines are Redefining Premium Travel with Customizable and Personalized Experiences
Coldplay and Weddings to Drive Growth at Indian Hotels Co.
Flying Taxis and Loyalty Tech: 6 Travel Startups Raise $100 Million
New Budget, Same Old Demands: Will The Indian Travel Sector Finally Be Heard?
