The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its comprehensive data for global passenger demand in July 2024, showcasing another month of robust growth for the aviation industry. Despite facing disruptions, including a significant IT outage, the industry continued its recovery trajectory, setting new records in passenger demand and load factors.
July 2024 marked a significant milestone for the aviation industry, with total passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), rising by 8.0% compared to July 2023. This increase in demand was mirrored by a 7.4% year-on-year growth in total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK). The global load factor, which indicates how efficiently airlines fill seats, reached 86.0%, up by 0.5 percentage points (ppt) compared to the same period last year.
One of the standout points from this data is the lack of significant negative impact from the CrowdStrike IT outage on July 19, which disrupted services across various sectors. The resilience of passenger demand despite this disruption highlights the essential nature of air travel for both leisure and business purposes. Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, noted the significance of this growth: “July was another positive month. In fact, passenger demand hit an all-time high for the industry and in all regions except Africa, despite significant disruption caused by the CrowdStrike IT outage.”
International Markets Drive Growth
International passenger markets experienced robust growth in July 2024, with a 10.1% increase in demand compared to July 2023. Capacity in these markets rose by 10.5% year-on-year, although the international load factor slightly declined to 85.9%, a 0.3 ppt decrease from the previous year.
Walsh emphasized the role of international travel in the broader recovery of the aviation sector: “The winding down of the peak northern summer season is a reminder of how much people depend on flying. As the mix of travelers shifts from leisure to business, aviation’s many roles are evident—reuniting families, enabling exploration, and powering commerce.”
Regional Performance Highlights
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Asia-Pacific:
Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region led the growth in international passenger markets with a remarkable 19.1% year-on-year increase in demand. This region, which has been gradually recovering from the impact of stringent pandemic-related travel restrictions, saw a 20.3% increase in capacity. Most Asia routes have yet to surpass 2019 levels, with the exception of the Asia-Middle East route, which has seen robust recovery and growth.*
Europe:
European airlines reported an 8.3% year-on-year increase in international passenger demand in July 2024. Europe’s performance is indicative of a strong recovery in intra-European travel and long-haul flights to key markets in Asia and North America. The region’s extensive network and the resurgence of business travel have been significant contributors to this growth.*
Middle East:
Middle Eastern airlines recorded a 5.8% year-on-year increase in international passenger demand, with a corresponding 5.5% rise in capacity. The Middle East’s strategic location and its role as a connector between Europe, Asia, and Africa have ensured sustained demand for air travel.*
North America:
North American airlines saw a 5.3% year-on-year increase in international passenger demand, with a 6.3% rise in capacity. The robust load factor is a testament to the strong demand for transatlantic travel and intra-North American routes. North American carriers have benefited from the reopening of key markets and the return of both leisure and business travelers.*
Latin America:
Latin American airlines posted a 13.4% year-on-year increase in international passenger demand in July 2024. The region’s airlines are capitalizing on the strong demand for travel within Latin America and to key international destinations, contributing to overall growth.*
Africa:
African airlines experienced a 7.4% year-on-year increase in international passenger demand, with capacity rising by 6.7%. Africa’s aviation market faces unique challenges, including limited infrastructure and economic constraints. However, the continued growth in demand signals a positive trajectory.Domestic Markets Remain Strong
Domestic passenger markets also saw solid growth in July 2024, with an overall 4.8% increase in demand compared to July 2023. Capacity in domestic markets rose by 2.8%, leading to a load factor of 86.1%, up 1.7 ppt from the previous year. Notably, all key domestic markets except India reached all-time highs in demand, reflecting strong internal travel recovery.
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Brazil:
Brazil once again led the growth in domestic markets, driven by a combination of pent-up demand, economic recovery, and increased domestic tourism. The country’s aviation market has been one of the fastest-growing globally, with airlines adding capacity to meet the surge in demand.*
Japan and Australia:
Both Japan and Australia showed strong rebounds in domestic demand after experiencing negative growth in the previous month. The lifting of remaining travel restrictions and increased consumer confidence in Japan have driven a resurgence in domestic travel. Similarly, Australia’s aviation market has benefited from the country’s economic recovery and the return of both leisure and business travelers.Challenges Remain
The aviation industry’s recovery is not without its challenges. Supply chain bottlenecks, including delays in aircraft deliveries and parts shortages, continue to hinder airlines’ ability to fully capitalize on the surge in demand. These issues have made it difficult for airlines to deploy additional capacity, resulting in higher load factors and potential capacity constraints.
Walsh emphasized the urgency of resolving these supply chain issues to ensure that air travel remains accessible and affordable: “As much of the world returns from vacation, there is an urgent call for manufacturers and suppliers to resolve their supply chain issues so that air travel remains accessible and affordable to all those who rely on it.”
Looking Ahead
The July 2024 data from IATA reflects a strong and sustained recovery in global passenger demand, with significant growth across both international and domestic markets. The industry’s ability to reach new highs despite disruptions highlights the essential nature of air travel in the modern world. However, the road ahead is not without challenges. Supply chain constraints and the need to balance capacity with demand will require continued focus and collaboration across the industry. As the aviation sector continues to recover and evolve, the resilience and adaptability of airlines, manufacturers, and other stakeholders will be crucial in meeting the needs of a growing global travel market.
