The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that global passenger demand in June, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), increased 9.1% compared to the same month in 2023.
While total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 8.5% year-on-year, the load factor in June was 85.0%, which is +0.5 percentage points compared to June 2023.
International demand increased 12.3% compared to June 2023. Capacity increased 12.7% year-on-year and load factor improved to 85.0%.
While domestic demand rose 4.3% compared to June 2023, capacity increased 2.1% year-on-year and load factor was 85.0% (+1.7 percentage points).
Domestic demand grew solidly in most key markets, except Japan and Australia. Instead Brazil recorded the largest increase with a year-on-year growth of 7.6%.
June year-over-year domestic ticket sales for Travel in July and August decreased by -0.9%, pointing to a gradual moderation in demand back to pre-pandemic growth rates.
“Demand grew across all regions as the peak summer Travel season in the Northern Hemisphere began in June. And with overall capacity growth lagging demand, we saw a very strong average load factor of 85% on both domestic and international operations,” he said. Willie Walshdirector general of IATA.
“Operating at such high load factors is both good and challenging. It makes it even more important for all stakeholders to operate at equal levels of efficiency to minimise delays and get travellers to their destinations on time,” he added.
Asia-Pacific airlines reported a 22.6% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased by 22.9% year-on-year and load factor was 83.0% (-0.2 percentage points).
Carriers in Europe saw a 9.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased by 9.8% year-on-year and load factor was 87.4% (-0.6 percentage points).
North American airlines saw a 6.6% year-over-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 8.6% year-over-year and load factor was 88.7% (-1.6 percentage points), the highest among regions.
Latin American airlines recorded a 15.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased by 15.6% year-on-year. Load factor was 85.1% (-0.2 percentage points).
