Flight capacity between Australia and Asia has surged to the highest levels seen globally, significantly outpacing the international average, which currently sits at 103 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
According to new data from Corporate Traveller, a division of Flight Centre Travel Group, India’s capacity is now at 346 per cent of pre-COVID-19 levels, with Vietnam at 263 per cent and South Korea at 153 per cent.
Data from Corporate Traveller also shows Singapore at 107 per cent of pre-pandemic capacity and Indonesia at 128 per cent.
Corporate Traveller said these record-breaking figures point to a strong recovery in corporate travel and reflect deepening trade ties, as evidenced by Australia’s two-way trade with Association of Southeast Asian Nations [ASEAN] countries reaching $192.9 billion, surpassing trade with both the US and the EU.
Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director Tom Walley said the shift was significant for Australian corporates.
“It highlights how airlines are racing to keep pace with the popularity in Australia–Asia business," he said.
"Direct routes are increasing, codeshare agreements are multiplying, and we’re seeing renewed demand for premium cabins, as carriers boost seat capacity to keep pace with intensifying trade ties and the renewed emphasis on face-to-face engagement across the region.”
Vietnam has emerged as one of Australia’s fastest-growing trade partners, with bilateral trade climbing by 10 per cent year-on-year, while India’s rising economic ties with Australia have propelled capacity still further. The recent codeshare arrangement between Air India and Virgin Australia has added more seats on direct routes, allowing faster connectivity between the two countries.
“Bilateral trade figures with India, Vietnam and other ASEAN economies are going up, and we see a clear link between stronger commercial ties and airlines prioritising the Australia–Asia corridor," Walley said.
Corporate Traveller said its insights reflected the broader national trend that has ASEAN emerging as Australia’s second-largest two-way trading partner.
"With airlines continuing to invest in larger aircraft and upgraded cabins including Jetstar’s multi-million-dollar Dreamliner overhaul, there are more options than ever to tap into Asia’s growing economic opportunities," Corporate Traveller said.
