African airlines demand for summer travels surge 16.9%

African airlines saw a 16.9 percent year-on-year increase in demand in June 2024. Capacity was up 5.8 percent year-on-year as a result of summer travels.

The load factor rose to 77.0 percent (+7.4ppt compared to June 2023). This was the largest improvement in load factor among all regions.

This was contained in data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for June 2024 global passenger demand.

Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 9.1 percent compared to June 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 8.5 percent year-on-year. The June load factor was 85.0 percent (+0.5 percentage points (ppt) compared to June 2023).

International demand rose 12.3 percent compared to June 2023. Capacity was up 12.7 percent year-on-year and the load factor improved to 85.0 percent (-0.3ppt in June 2023).

Domestic demand rose 4.3 percent compared to June 2023; capacity was up 2.1 percent year-on-year and the load factor was 85.0 percent (+1.7ppt compared to June 2023).

“Demand grew across all regions as the peak Northern summer travel season began in June. And with overall capacity growth lagging demand we saw a very strong average load factor of 85 percent achieved in both domestic and international operations. Operating with such high load factors is both good and challenging.

“It makes it even more important for all the stakeholders to operate with equal levels of efficiency to minimize delays and get travellers to their destinations on schedule,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Read also: NCAA’s new portal to expose passenger complaints against airlines, track resolution

“As the Olympic Games unfold in Paris there is pride across the aviation industry for its continuing role in supporting the Olympic story by bringing many of the athletes, fans, and officials together.

“It is a great reminder of how aviation transforms our very big world into a global community. We wish France every success as the host of the games and cheer all the athletes who will demonstrate the best of human endeavour over the next weeks,” said Walsh.

All regions showed strong growth for international passenger markets in June 2024 compared to June 2023.

Asia-Pacific airlines’ growth remained strong, with a 22.6 percent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 22.9 percent year-on-year and the load factor was 83.0 percent (-0.2ppt compared to June 2023). The Africa-Asia route was the fastest expanding regional pair, growing 38.1 percent.

European carriers saw a 9.1 percent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 9.8 percent year-on-year, and the load factor was 87.4 percent (-0.6ppt compared to June 2023).

Middle Eastern airlines saw a 9.6 percent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 9.4 percent year-on-year and the load factor was 79.7 percent (+0.1ppt compared to June 2023).

North American carriers saw a 6.6 percent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 8.6 percent year-on-year, and the load factor was 88.7 percent (-1.6 ppt compared to June 2023), the highest among regions.

Latin American airlines saw a 15.3 percent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 15.6 percent year-on-year. The load factor was 85.1 percent (-0.2ppt compared to June 2023).