IATA: International demand drives global growth in June

June international air demand and capacity each were up by double-digit percentages year over year, which contributed to high single-digit percentage increases for overall global demand and capacity, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Total June international demand, as measured in revenue passenger kilometres, was up 12.3 per cent year over year, with capacity, measured in available seat kilometres, up 12.7 per cent for the period. The international load factor decreased 0.3 percentage points to 85 per cent.

June domestic traffic was up 4.3 per cent versus June 2023, with capacity up 2.1 per cent year over year. The domestic load factor was also 85 per cent, representing a 1.7 percentage point increase. 

Overall, total global demand increased 9.1 per cent compared with June 2023, with capacity up 8.5 per cent for the same period. 

“Demand grew across all regions as the peak Northern summer travel season began in June,” IATA director general Willie Walsh said in a statement. 

“And with overall capacity growth lagging demand, we saw a very strong average load factor of 85 per cent achieved in both 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 minimise delays and get travellers to their destinations on schedule.”

Africa was the regional market with the highest total demand growth in June, at 16.2 per cent year over year, followed by Asia Pacific at 12.5 per cent. Europe, Latin America and the Middle East each grew between 8 per cent and 10 per cent for the period. Total North America traffic was up 5.4 per cent compared with June 2023. 

Capacity growth for each region was between 5.8 and 9.5 per cent, according to IATA.

For June international demand, Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America each reported double-digit year-over-year growth rates. Europe and the Middle East exceeded 9 per cent increases for the period, while North America saw demand increase 6.6 per cent. Capacity increases were the highest in Asia Pacific at 22.9 per cent, followed by Latin America at 15.6 per cent.

Domestic market demand growth rates in June were more subdued than international. Brazil had the highest increase with traffic up 7.6 per cent year over year. Australia and Japan reported demand declines of 1 per cent and 0.2 per cent, respectively. India had the highest June capacity increase, at 9.6 per cent compared with June 2023. Australia, China and Japan posted capacity declines for the period.