Airports, regulations and infrastructure must evolve to meet surging ASEAN air travel demand, says Malaysia Aviation Group chief.
KUALA LUMPUR: Airports, regulations and infrastructure across Southeast Asia must evolve rapidly to keep pace with surging air travel demand.
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail said the aviation industry is entering a structural shift that will test the readiness of airports, policies and manpower.
“Asia-Pacific currently accounts for about 32% of global aviation capacity, but this is projected to rise to 48% by 2030,” he said.
Within this, ASEAN’s share is expected to grow from about 7% today to between 12 and 15% by the end of the decade.
He noted that nearly 42,000 new aircraft are expected to enter global service over the coming decades, placing significant pressure on airport capacity and ground handling systems.
“As airlines grow, airports must also grow, either through expanding existing terminals or building new ones altogether,” Captain Izham pointed out.
He said regulatory frameworks must keep pace with rapid technological change, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and digitalisation.
Energy transition is another critical pillar, with sustainable aviation fuel and electrification expected to play a central role in the industry’s push towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
Against this backdrop, he said MAG must remain disciplined in executing its long-term business strategy to remain competitive.
“While global passenger traffic is forecast to grow at about 3.8% annually over the next decade, Asia-Pacific is expected to outpace the global average,” he said.
However, he cautioned that the growth outlook comes with mounting risks, including aircraft delivery backlogs and supply chain disruptions.
Industry-wide, more than 17,000 aircraft remain on order globally, with delivery delays expected to persist for up to a decade.
“These constraints mean airlines must plan conservatively, invest strategically and stay ahead of the curve,” Captain Izham said.
He noted that the coming decade represents the early stages of a broader reinvention of aviation.
“What we are witnessing today is the beginning of a new era,” he added. – Bernama
