IATA: Strong growth continues for air travel demand

IATA says total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 8.1% compared to November 2023.

Total capacity, in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 5.7% year-on-year.

The November load factor was 83.4%, which is an all-time high for November.

International demand rose 11.6% compared to November 2023, while seat capacity was up 8.6% year-on-year.

IATA notes strong performance by carriers in Europe and Asia-Pacific which drove the double-digit expansion in demand.

Domestic demand was more subdued, up 3.1% compared to November 2023.

“November was another month of strong growth. It was also another reminder of the supply chain issues that are preventing airlines from getting the aircraft they need to meet growing demand,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

All regions showed growth for international passenger markets.

Europe had the highest load factors while Asia-Pacific led on growth with a 19.9% year-on-year expansion in demand.

Capacity increased 16.2% year-on-year and the load factor was 84.9% for Asia airlines.

European carriers saw demand jump 9.4% as capacity increased 7.1% year-on-year.

North American carriers has a more modest a 3.1% year-on-year increase in demand while capacity was slightly up by 1.6%.