Passenger demand up 10.7pc in May: IATA

Geneva: Total global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 10.7 per cent compared to May 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 8.5 per cent year-on-year. The May load factor was 83.4 per cent (+1.7ppt compared to May 2023), a record high for May.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) released this data for May 2024 global passenger demand in a report recently.

About the development, Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA, said, "Strong demand for travel continues with airlines posting a 10.7 per cent year-on-year increase in travel for May. Airlines filled 83.4 per cent of their seats, a record for the month. With May ticket sales for early peak-season travel up nearly 6 per cent, the growth trend shows no signs of abating. Airlines are doing everything they can to ensure smooth journeys for all travellers over the peak northern summer period."

International demand rose 14.6 per cent compared to May 2023. Capacity was up 14.1 per cent year-on-year and the load factor improved to 82.8 per cent (+0.3ppt on May 2023).

Domestic demand rose 4.7 per cent compared to May 2023; capacity was up 0.1 per cent year-on-year and the load factor was 84.5 per cent (+3.8ppt compared to May 2023).

All regions showed strong growth for international passenger markets in May 2024 compared to May 2023. The load factor increased in all regions except North America.