Global passenger demand up 8pc: IATA

Geneva : Total passenger demand worldwide, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 8.0 per cent compared to July 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 7.4 per cent year-on-year. The July load factor was 86.0 per cent (+0.5ppt compared to July 2023).

This was revealed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in its data for July 2024 global passenger demand.

International demand rose 10.1 per cent compared to July 2023. Capacity was up 10.5 per cent year-on-year and the load factor fell to 85.9 per cent (-0.3ppt compared to July 2023).

Domestic demand rose 4.8 per cent compared to July 2023. Capacity was up 2.8 per cent year-on-year and the load factor was 86.1 per cent (+1.7ppt compared to July 2023).

About the development, Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA, said, "July was another positive month. In fact, passenger demand hit an all-time high for the industry and in all regions except Africa, despite significant disruption caused by the CrowdStrike IT outage."

"The winding down of the peak northern summer season is a reminder of how much people depend on flying. As the mix of travellers shift from leisure to business, aviation's many roles are evident-reuniting families, enabling exploration, and powering commerce."

"People need and want to fly. They are doing that in great numbers. Load factors are at the practicable maximum. However, persistent supply chain bottlenecks have made deploying the capacity to meet the need to travel more challenging. As much of the world returns from vacation, there is an urgent call for manufacturers and suppliers to resolve their supply chain issues so that air travel remains accessible and affordable to all those who rely on it," added Walsh.

Int'l pax markets by region

All regions showed strong growth for international passenger markets in July 2024 compared to July 2023, with signs that many markets are returning to long-term growth trends after the post-pandemic bounce back.

Asia-Pacific airlines' growth remained strong, with a 19.1 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 20.3 per cent year-on-year and the load factor was 83.8 per cent (-0.8ppt compared to July 2023). Most Asia routes have yet to exceed 2019 levels, with the exception of the Asia-Middle East route.

European carriers saw an 8.3 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 8.1 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor was 87.5 per cent (+0.2ppt compared to July 2023). In terms of major international routes, the Europe-Asia route expanded fastest, reflecting this is still to surpass 2019 levels.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 5.8 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 5.5 per cent year-on-year and the load factor was 84.1 per cent (+0.3ppt compared to July 2023).