International Air Transport Association (IATA) data for January show global passenger demand (revenue passenger kilometers, RPK) rising 16.6%, which it describes as a strong start for 2024.

Meanwhile, total global capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 14.1% and the load factor was 79.9% (+1.7%).

International demand and capacity both rose more than a fifth. Domestic demand
rose 10.4%, with capacity up 4.6% and the load factor up 4.2% to 80.2%.

IATA director general Willie Walsh said: “2024 is off to a strong start despite economic and geopolitical uncertainties. As governments look to build prosperity in their economies in the busiest election-year ever, it is critical that they see aviation as a catalyst for growth.

“Increased taxes and onerous regulation are a counterweight to prosperity. We will be looking to governments for policies that help aviation to reduce costs, improve efficiency and make progress towards net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.”
Subscribe to the FINN weekly newsletter