The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has disclosed that passenger demand has been growing for 36 consecutive months.
The IATA Passenger Survey shows 88 per cent agreement that ’air travel makes my life better’.
“That’s an important motivation as our members gather for the IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai next week. This strong endorsement of the power of air connectivity to transform lives and boost economies brings with it a challenge that will also be on the minds of all attending. It is critically important that we achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 so that people can continue to rely on all the benefits of air travel,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
“Passenger demand has been growing for 36 consecutive months. As we enter the peak northern summer travel season, there is every reason to feel optimistic for a strong summer with airlines offering a wide range of travel options. 97 percent of passengers asked in our recent survey said they were satisfied with their last flight. Every part of the travel value chain needs to be focused on maintaining that,” said Walsh.
IATA released data for April 2024 global passenger demand, showing the total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), was up 11 per cent compared to April 2023.
Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 9.6 per cent year-on-year. The April load factor was 82.4 per cent (+1.0ppt compared to April 2023).
International demand rose 15.8 per cent compared to April 2023; capacity was up 14.8 per cent year-on-year and the load factor improved to 82.2 per cent (+0.7ppt in April 2023).
Domestic demand rose 4.0 per cent compared to April 2023; capacity was up 2.1 per cent year-on-year and the load factor was 82.6 per cent (+1.5ppt compared to April 2023).
All regions showed strong growth for international passenger markets in April 2024 compared to April 2023. The load factor increased to a two-year high, and capacity increases were well-matched to demand.
African airlines saw a 15.5 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 10.4 per cent year-on-year. The load factor rose to 73.0 per cent (+3.2ppt compared to April 2023).
Asia-Pacific airlines continue to lead the way, with a 32.1 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 29.3 per cent year-on-year and the load factor rose to 83.7 per cent (+1.7ppt compared to April 2023). Traffic flows from the Middle East and Africa to Asia are notably strong.
European carriers saw a 10.1 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 10.0 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.3 per cent (up just 0.1ppt compared to April 2023). International routes from Europe have surpassed pre-COVID levels to all regions except Africa.
