News

IATA: Global passenger demand up 8.6% and record high load factor

Global passenger demand rose by 8.6% and load factor was up 86.2%, according to latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Pictured: Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA

International demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was also up 10.6% compared to August 2023. 

Capacity was up 10.1% year-on-year and the load factor rose to 85.7%, up 0.4ppt compared to August 2023, with domestic demand rising 5.6% and capacity up 1.2% year-on-year.

“The market for air travel is hot and airlines are doing a great job at meeting the growing demand for travel. Efficiency gains have driven load factors to record highs while the 6.5% capacity increase demonstrates resilience in the face of persistent supply chain issues and infrastructure deficiencies,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

“Looking ahead, the continued strong demand growth signals that we could be fast approaching an infrastructure capacity crunch that would restrict connectivity and choice for passengers and businesses. If governments want to maximise the benefits of aviation, they must take bold decisions to ensure sufficient infrastructure capacity. 

"And, in the interim, both airports and air navigation service providers need to do more with the resources they currently have. In particular, the variance in declared capacity of airports with broadly the same infrastructure needs to be resolved, with airports emulating the best performers. The industry cannot afford to under-utilise the airport infrastructure that we have,” said Walsh.


Related articles