International passenger numbers reached 16.6 million for airlines operating within the Asia Pacific region for the month of May 2012.

This figure represents an 8.7 percent year-on-year increase in international flyers, according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines.

These statistics reflect “positive consumer confidence, despite lingering concerns over the fragility of the global economic recovery.”

Revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) by international travellers saw a rise of more than 7 percent.

AAPA director general Andrew Herdman was encouraged by the results but was cautious and highlighted future challenges facing the industry such as “widespread competitive pressures, the continued weakness in air cargo markets, and unresolved concerns over the outlook for the global economy.”