September 2024 seems to have definitively buried the Covid episode in air transport. It was about time, more than four years after the start of the pandemic. But the publication of the latest data by IATAthe international air transport association, on global passenger demand has a lot to recommend it. to give optimism to the whole sector.
" The peak air travel season has ended with demand at an all-time high. This is good news not only for passengers, but also for the global economy." analysed the Director General of IATA, Willie Walsh.
IATA notes that in September 2024 :
- La total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was up 7.1 % on September 2023, an all-time record for September. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 5.8% on the previous year. The load factor in September was 83.6% (+1.0ppt compared to September 2023).
- International demand increased by 9.2% compared with September 2023. Capacity increased by 9.1% year-on-year and load factor reached 83.8% (+0.1ppt compared with September 2023).
- Domestic demand increased by 3.7% compared with September 2023. Capacity increased by 0.7% year-on-year and load factor stood at 83.3% (+2.4ppt compared with September 2023).
Growth on every continent
On international traffic, IATA notes that all regions recorded growth in international passenger demand in September 2024 compared with September 2023. Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific led the way with the highest rates of growth in demand.
There was one downside, however. Aircraft load factors fluctuated from one continent to another. Very high in Europe, and at a high level in Asia and Africa, it was down in the Americas and the Middle East.
Asia-Pacific airlines recorded an increase of 18.5 % of year-on-year demand. Capacity increased by 17.7% year-on-year and the load factor was 82.6% (+0.5ppt compared with September 2023).
European carriers recorded an increase in demand of 7.6 % year-on-year. Capacity increased by 7.4% year-on-year and the load factor was 85.9% (+0.2ppt compared with September 2023).
Middle East carriers recorded an increase in demand of 4.4 % year-on-year. Capacity increased by 4.6% year-on-year and the load factor was 81.4% (-0.1ppt compared with September 2023).
North American carriers have experienced an increase in demand of 0.5% year-on-year. Capacity increased by 1.9% year-on-year and the load factor was 84.4% (-1.1 ppt compared with September 2023).
Latin American airlines have experienced an increase in demand of 12.4% year-on-year. Capacity increased by 13.9% year-on-year. The load factor was 84.3% (-1.1ppt compared with September 2023).
African airlines recorded a year-on-year increase in demand of 11.9%. Capacity increased by 6.6% year-on-year. The load factor increased to 76.0% (+3.6ppt compared with September 2023).
Capacity shortage on the horizon?
As usual, however, IATA is always ready to quell any optimism. " The success of air transport is not without its challengespredicts Willie Walsh. We will soon be facing a shortage of capacity in certain regions. This risks reducing the economic and social benefits of our sector" .
" Governments will face a choice: lose out to more dynamic nations that value global connectivity, or forge a consensus for sustainable growth. Airlines are investing heavily to achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2050. This must be accompanied by an equally active political visionThis will be supported by actions to ensure that we have sufficient and effective airport and air traffic management capacity." he added.
