Asia-Pacific Leads Global Aviation Growth Despite Market Challenges

New data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reveals the Asia-Pacific region's resilience in aviation development, despite global market headwinds that led to a decade-low number of new airline launches in 2024.

The report, which tracks global airline market dynamics, shows that whilst only 28 new airlines commenced operations worldwide in 2024—the lowest number in ten years—Asia-Pacific emerged alongside Europe as a leading region for new carrier launches. This growth reflects the region's robust economic development and continued market liberalisation efforts.

"The Asia-Pacific region's strong showing in new airline development, even during challenging global conditions, underscores its position as a crucial growth market for aviation," said Captain Jacques Drappier, the Conference Chair of APATS 2025.

The data arrives as industry leaders prepare for APATS 2025, the Asia Pacific Airline Training Symposium, scheduled to take place later this year in Singapore. 

The event will provide a crucial platform for discussing the training implications of this market evolution, particularly as new carriers navigate complex operational challenges.

Despite the overall decline in new airline launches from the post-COVID peak in 2021, Asia-Pacific's performance stands in stark contrast to more mature markets like North America, where new carrier entries remained limited.

This regional divergence highlights the continuing opportunities within the Asian aviation sector, even as global factors such as inflation, rising operating costs, and supply chain disruptions impact the industry.

The IATA report indicates that while 19 airlines ceased operations globally in 2024, the industry has shown signs of stabilisation.

Of these closures, seven were low-cost carriers, eleven were traditional airlines, and one was a cargo operator, with most exits attributed to financial challenges rather than mergers or transformations.

As the industry looks ahead to APATS 2025, these market dynamics will inform crucial discussions about training requirements, operational efficiency, and workforce development in the region.

The symposium is expected to address how new and existing carriers can navigate the complex regulatory environment while maintaining the high safety and service standards essential for successful airline operations.

The combination of continued regional growth and global challenges presents both opportunities and obstacles for Asia-Pacific's aviation sector, making forums like APATS 2025 increasingly vital for industry stakeholders to share insights and develop strategic responses to evolving market conditions.