The International Air Transport Association announced on Mar. 31 that global air passenger demand increased by 6.1 percent in February compared to the same month last year, with a record-high load factor for the month at 81.4 percent.
This growth reflects ongoing recovery and resilience in the aviation sector, despite uncertainties caused by conflict and rising fuel costs affecting airline operations worldwide.
According to IATA, total capacity grew by 5.6 percent year-on-year while international demand rose by 5.9 percent and domestic demand increased by 6.3 percent compared to February of the previous year. The organization said, “With an RPK expansion of 6.1%, February was a strong month, showing that the fundamentals for demand growth were in place for a positive year.” Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, added: “However, without knowing the length and intensity of the war in the Middle East, it is impossible to quantify the full impact that it will have on airline prospects. But some things are already clear. Fuel costs have risen sharply. With tight capacity and thin margins, air fares are already rising… Capacity deployment is also adjusting… Capacity growth scheduled for March… has eased to 3.3% from earlier predictions of more than 5%.”
Regional results varied: Latin American airlines saw a notable increase with a year-on-year rise of 13.5 percent in international passenger traffic; Asia-Pacific carriers reported an increase of 8.6 percent; European carriers recorded a gain of five percent; North American airlines saw their international traffic grow by five percent as well; Middle Eastern carriers had modest growth at just under one percent; African airlines experienced an increase of nearly five percent.
Domestic markets showed robust performance led by Brazil and China where travel surged over twelve percent each compared to last year’s figures.
The International Air Transport Association works to enrich the world through a safe, secure and sustainable air transport industry according to its official website (source). The association includes about 360 member airlines accounting for more than eighty percent of global air traffic (source) and seeks to represent, lead and serve the airline industry (source). Willie Walsh has served as director general (source). IATA maintains offices globally including headquarters in Montreal (source) and engages in advocacy efforts across multiple regions (source).
Looking ahead, IATA said that uncertainty remains due to geopolitical factors but expects underlying demand trends will continue shaping capacity decisions throughout this year.
