The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stated that in March the total demand, measured in revenue per passenger kilometer (RPKs), increased by 13.8% compared to March 2023.
While the total capacity, measured in kilometers of available seats (ASK), increased 12.3% annually and the load factor in the same month was 82.0%, one percentage point more compared to March 2023.
It stands out that international demand rose 18.9% in the aforementioned period and its capacity increased 18.8% annually and the load factor improved to 81.6% (+0.1 percentage points). Meanwhile, domestic demand increased by 6.6%; capacity rose 3.4% annually and the load factor was 82.6% (+2.5 percentage points).
“Travel demand is strong, with prospects that this will continue into the northern hemisphere summer Travel season. It is critical to have the ability to meet this demand and ensure a seamless Travel experience for passengers. “That means making urgent progress to resolve supply chain issues and get airports and air traffic management so that they are fully staffed and operating at maximum efficiency,” he said. Willie Walshdirector general of IATA.
He added that although airlines are prepared for customer care and assistance when operational problems arise, “they are tired of bearing the cost when delays and cancellations are the result of poor preparation in other parts of the value chain.”
The international body specified that all regions showed strong growth for international passenger markets in March 2024 compared to March 2023. Load factor performance was uneven, falling year on year in three of the six regions.
Asia-Pacific airlines continue to lead the way, with a 38.5% increase in demand year-over-year. Capacity increased 37.4% year-on-year and load factor rose to 85.6% (+0.7 percentage points compared to March 2023), the highest among all regions.
Latin American airlines saw a 19.7% increase in demand year over year. Capacity increased 18.3% annually. The load factor rose to 84.3% (+0.9 percentage points).
European carriers saw an 11.6% increase in demand year over year. Capacity increased 11.4% annually, and load factor was 79.9% (0.1 percentage points).
While North American airlines saw a 14.5% increase in demand year over year. Capacity increased 14.8% annually, and load factor fell to 84.7% (-0.2 percentage points).
