IATA
04 February 2025

Market Analysis December 2024:

Air Passenger
Record-breaking year ends on a strong note

  • Industry total Revenue Passenger-Kilometer (RPK) increased by 8.6% year-on-year (YoY) in December, concluding a record-breaking year. Available Seat-Kilometer (ASK) grew by 5.6% YoY, slightly lagging in passenger traffic growth. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) rose to the new record level of 84.0%.
  • Domestic traffic grew by 5.5% YoY, accelerating from the previous month. PR China led in growth, while the United States saw exceptional demand for domestic air travel.
  • International RPK climbed 10.6% YoY in December. Asia Pacific and European carriers contributed to most of the net increase in traffic. North American carriers saw a higher demand increase, and the remaining regions continued to see apace market expansion.
  • In 2024, total RPK increased by 10.4% YoY. More than half of that momentum was carried by Asia Pacific airlines. Passenger Load Factor for the whole year broke a new record and stood at 83.5%.
  • International passenger traffic reached new highs, growing 13.6% YoY while airspace restrictions reshaped the global network. The fast expansion of Chinese and Indian domestic markets also marked the year.

Also in this publication:

  • Air Cargo Capcity and Demard Figures December 2024

Publications:

  • Access to SAF in Europe - Effects of ReFuelEU Aviation (RFEUA)
  • SAF Accounting & Reporting Methodology

Charts:

  • Public and private money favors Oil over Clean Energy

Upcoming Events: 

  • FlyAware Insight Session: Exploring the value of aviation, 5 February 2025, 13:30 CET
  • IATA Aviation Energy Forum, 13-15 May 2025, Baku, Azerbaijan
  • IATA World Sustainability Symposium, 21-22 October 2025, Hong Kong (SAR), China

 

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