The Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) announced that US travel agencies generated $7.9 billion in air ticket sales during July 2024, representing a 5% increase compared to both July 2023 and June 2024. This positive trend reflects a sustained demand for air travel despite the start of the second half of the year, which typically sees a seasonal decline.
Passenger trips also saw a notable surge in July, reaching 24.1 million, a 6% increase from the previous month and a 10% jump from the same period last year. These figures point towards a robust travel market, defying initial expectations of a decline.
ARC’s Chief Commercial Officer, Steve Solomon, highlighted the positive implications of these figures for both travel agencies and airlines. He expressed optimism about the continued growth in passenger trips, stating that airlines will likely rely on corporate travel to maintain this momentum as summer comes to an end.
The adoption of New Distribution Capability (NDC) transactions continues to accelerate within the travel industry. In July 2024, NDC transactions accounted for 19.7% of ARC’s monthly transaction volume, reflecting a substantial 55% increase from the same period in 2023. Over 950 travel agencies reported participating in NDC transactions during this month, indicating a growing preference for this modern distribution channel.
The strong air ticket sales and passenger numbers in July 2024 demonstrate a resilient travel market. The continued growth in NDC adoption further underscores the industry’s shift towards more efficient and innovative distribution models.
