Solid traffic growth, record load factor in July, says IATA

GENEVA - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports healthy global passenger demand for July, with all regions reporting growth. Total revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) rose 6.2%, compared to the same month last year.

While this was down from 8.1% year-over-year growth in June, it nevertheless marked a solid start to the peak passenger demand season. Monthly capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) increased by 5.5% and load factor rose 0.6% to a record high for July of 85.2%.

“tHowever, rising costs -- particularly fuel -- will likely limit the stimulus we would expect from lower airfares. Therefore, we do expect to see a continued slowing of growth compared to 2017,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.      
July international passenger demand rose 5.3% compared to July 2017, down from 8.2% growth recorded in June. Total capacity climbed 4.7%, and the load factor edged up half a percentage point to 85.0%. All regions reported growth, led by Asia-Pacific for the first time in three months.

Asia-Pacific airlines’ July traffic rose 7.5% over the year-ago period, a slowdown compared to June growth of 9.6%. Capacity increased 6.0% and load factor rose 1.1% to 82.1%. Growth is being supported by a combination of robust regional economic growth and an increase in route options for travellers, IATA said.  www.iata.org (ATI).