IATA data for global passenger demand for April shows that total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), was up 11% compared with April 2023.

Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 9.6% year-on-year. The April load factor was 82.4% (a one percentage point increase compared with April 2023). 

International demand rose 15.8% compared with April 2023; capacity was up 14.8% year-on-year and the load factor improved to 82.2% (an increase of 0.7 percentage points compared to April 2023). 

Domestic demand rose 4% compared with April 2023; capacity was up 2.1% year-on-year and the load factor was 82.6% (up 1.5 percentage points). 

African airlines saw a 15.5% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 10.4% year-on-year. The load factor rose to 73.0% (up by 3.2%).

“Passenger demand has been growing for 36 consecutive months. As we enter the peak northern summer travel season, there is every reason to feel optimistic for a strong summer with airlines offering a wide range of travel options. In a recent survey, 97% of passengers said they were satisfied with their last flight. Every part of the travel value chain needs to be focused on maintaining that,” said Willie Walsh, IATA Director General.

The IATA passenger survey also revealed an 88% agreement from passengers on the statement that ‘air travel makes my life better’. 

“That’s an important motivation as our members gather for the IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai this week. This strong endorsement of the power of air connectivity to transform lives and boost economies brings with it a challenge that will also be on the minds of all attending. It is critically important that we achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 so that people can continue to rely on all the benefits of air travel,” said Walsh.