The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stated that in March total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), increased by 13.8% compared to March 2023.
While total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASKs), increased 12.3% year-over-year and the occupancy factor in the same month was 82.0%, up one percentage point compared to March 2023.
International demand rose 18.9% in the period, with capacity increasing 18.8% year-over-year, and the occupancy factor improved to 81.6% (+0.1 percentage points). Meanwhile, domestic demand increased 6.6%; capacity rose 3.4% y/y and the occupancy factor was 82.6% (+2.5 percentage points).
“Travel demand is strong, with prospects that this will continue into the northern hemisphere summer travel season. It is critical to have the ability to meet this demand and ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers. That means making urgent progress in resolving supply chain issues and getting airports and air traffic management to be fully staffed and operating at peak efficiency,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.
He added that while airlines are prepared for customer care and assistance when operational problems arise, “they are tired of bearing the cost when delays and cancellations are the result of poor preparation in other parts of the value chain.”
All regions with international growth
The international agency specified that all regions showed strong growth for international passenger markets in March 2024 compared to March 2023. Occupancy factor performance was uneven, falling year-over-year in three of the six regions.
Asia-Pacific airlines continue to lead the way, with demand up 38.5% year over year. Capacity increased 37.4% year on year and the occupancy factor rose to 85.6% (+0.7 percentage points compared to March 2023), the highest among all regions.
Latin American airlines saw a 19.7% increase in demand year over year. Capacity increased by 18.3% year on year. Occupancy factor rose to 84.3% (+0.9 percentage points).
European carriers saw an 11.6% increase in demand year over year. Capacity was up 11.4% y/y, and occupancy factor was 79.9% (0.1 percentage points).
While North American airlines saw a 14.5% increase in demand year over year. Capacity increased 14.8% y/y, and occupancy factor fell to 84.7% (-0.2 percentage points).
Source: Arecoa.com
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