Asia-Pacific airline leaders see continued high fuel costs and disruption, but sustained strong demand
Travellers continue to fly despite higher ticket prices as AI drives air cargo demand
Despite fuel costs and supply chain issues, airline leaders anticipate strong demand for both passengers and cargo in 2026. At a panel in Kuala Lumpur, regional airlines discussed the effects of high oil prices and disruptions on the aviation industry. Cathay Pacific CEO Ronald Lam stated that the world should accept that external disruptions are likely to persist.
Air New Zealand's Mike Williams echoed this sentiment, saying that airlines must be agile and resilient to address uncertainties like fuel prices, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions. Kazakhstan's Air Astana CEO Ibrahim Canliel emphasized the industry's need for agility and resilience to adapt to the new normal. Cathay Pacific's Lam also expressed optimism about air cargo demand, driven by e-commerce and AI-related activities.
However, he acknowledged that the industry continues to face supply chain disruptions, including delays in aircraft and spare part deliveries.
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