The International Air Transport Association (IATA) that represents some 330 airlines comprising more than 80% of global air traffic has released global passenger demand data for May 2024.
Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 10.7% compared to May 2023, says IATA press note.
Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 8.5% year- on-year.
The May load factor was 83.4% (+1.7ppt compared to May 2023), a record high for May.
International demand rose 14.6% compared to May 2023. Capacity was up 14.1% year-on- year and the load factor improved to 82.8% (+0.3ppt in May 2023).
Domestic demand rose 4.7% compared to May 2023; capacity was up 0.1% year-on-year and the load factor was 84.5% (+3.8ppt compared to May 2023).
“Strong demand for travel continues showing no signs of abating. Airlines are doing smooth journeys for all travelers accountable to their customers,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
All regions showed strong growth for international passenger markets in May 2024. The load factor increased in all regions except North America.
Asia-Pacific airlines continue to lead the way, with a 27.0% year-on-year increase in demand while European carriers saw an 11.7% year-on-year increase in demand.
Middle Eastern airlines saw a 9.7% year-on-year increase in demand whereas African airlines saw a 14.1% year-on-year increase in demand.
North American carriers saw an 8.1% year-on-year increase in demand with Latin American airlines saw a 15.9% year-on-year increase in demand.
