Most of the carriers in North Asia have announced that they would be operating more flights in Q1 2014. Media reports said that nearly all of the 13 major airlines in North Asia, except Korean Air, would be increasing their flight services in the first quarter of this year as compared to the same period in 2013. However, a majority of the airlines would not increase their seat and available seats per kilometer (ASK) capacity.

Media reports indicated that on average seats would be increased by 3.7 percent and ASKs 3.4 percent complementing 4.5 percent growth in frequencies. The reports said that for some of the airlines the frequency growth would be much faster than seat/ASK growth allowing the aircrafts to tap new short-haul markets.

Media reports said that prominent North Asian carriers like Hong Kong Airlines, China Southern Airlines, EVA Air and TransAsia are on their way to become the largest growth carriers in the region. According to the reports, carriers in Greater China would be introducing more seats and ASK growth above their frequency growth because of the nature of trunk routes and limited slots. Similar growth profile is also being shown by China Airlines and EVA Air. Travel experts in North Asia have indicated that most of the carriers in the region want to close the gap as much possible, while the incumbent carriers are seeking sustainability.