Inbound demand from overseas to Japan remained robust over the summer, the country’s two main airlines have reported.
Outbound demand was also described by Japan Airlines as being buoyant, resulting in higher load factors in the six months to September 30 over the same period in 2016.
Jal’s operating revenue increased by 6.2% year-on-year to 692.3 billion yen, while operating income grew by 7.2% year on year to 99 billion yen.
Rival ANA delivered a record profit in the half year, also citing robust demand.
“International passenger numbers and revenues increased compared with the same period last year in appreciation to strong demand for business travel from Japan, recovery of outbound leisure travel to Europe – which had previously reduced in the aftermath of terrorist attacks – and robust travel demand to Japan,” ANA said.
The airline reported operating revenues up 11.3% to 985 billion yen and operating income up 28.5% to 115 billion yen in the half year.
ANA raised its full year profit forecast by 7 billion yen, with revenue up by 15 billion yen.