The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its data for June 2024, revealing a positive trend in global passenger demand. The report’s highlights show significant growth in international and domestic markets, indicating a solid recovery for the aviation industry.

Key Highlights

• Total Demand: Measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), total Demand was up 9.1% compared to June 2023.
• Total Capacity: Measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), total capacity increased by 8.5% year-on-year.
• Load Factor: The June load factor was 85.0%, a 0.5 percentage point increase compared to June 2023.

International and Domestic Demand

• International Demand: International Demand rose by 12.3% compared to June 2023. Capacity was up 12.7% year-on-year, and the load factor improved to 85.0%.
• Domestic Demand: Domestic Demand increased by 4.3% compared to June 2023. Capacity was up 2.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.0%, a 1.7 percentage point increase compared to June 2023.

Regional Breakdown

International Passenger Markets

• Asia-Pacific: Growth remained strong, with a 22.6% year-on-year increase in Demand. Capacity increased by 22.9%, and the load factor was 83.0%. The Africa-Asia route was the fastest-expanding regional pair, growing by 38.1%.
• Europe: European carriers saw a 9.1% year-on-year increase in Demand. Capacity increased by 9.8%, and the load factor was 87.4%.
• Middle East: Middle Eastern airlines saw a 9.6% year-on-year increase in Demand. Capacity increased by 9.4%, and the load factor was 79.7%.
• North America: North American carriers saw a 6.6% year-on-year increase in Demand. Capacity increased by 8.6%, and the load factor was 88.7%, the highest among regions.
• Latin America: Latin American airlines saw a 15.3% year-on-year increase in Demand. Capacity climbed by 15.6%, and the load factor was 85.1%.
• Africa: African airlines saw a 16.9% year-on-year increase in Demand. Capacity was up 5.8%, and the load factor rose to 77.0%, the largest improvement among all regions.

Domestic Passenger Markets

Domestic Demand increased in June, with solid growth in most key markets except Japan and Australia. Brazil posted the most significant gain, with 7.6% year-on-year growth. However, year-on-year June domestic ticket sales for July and August travel dipped by 0.9%, indicating a gradual moderation in Demand back to pre-pandemic growth rates.

Commentary from IATA

IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh commented on the positive trends: “Demand grew across all regions as the peak Northern summer travel season began in June. And with overall capacity growth lagging in Demand, we saw a very strong average load factor of 85% achieved in domestic and international operations. Operating with such high load factors is both good and challenging. It makes it even more important for all the stakeholders to operate with equal levels of efficiency to minimize delays and get travellers to their destinations on schedule.”

Walsh also highlighted the aviation industry’s role in supporting the Olympic Games in Paris: “As the Olympic Games unfold in Paris, there is pride across the aviation industry for its continuing role in supporting the Olympic story by bringing many of the athletes, fans, and officials together. It is a great reminder of how aviation transforms our very big world into a global community. We wish France every success as the host of the games and cheer all the athletes who will demonstrate the best of human endeavour over the next weeks.”

Conclusion

The IATA data for June 2024 paints a positive picture of the aviation industry, with solid growth in international and domestic passenger markets. As the industry continues to recover, the focus will be on maintaining high levels of efficiency and ensuring that travellers reach their destinations on schedule. The role of aviation in connecting the world and supporting major global events like the Olympic Games underscores its importance in our interconnected world.