IATA has released data for February’s global passenger demand, showing a slight slowdown when compared with January. Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) was, however, up 2,6% compared with February 2024.
African airlines saw a 6,7% year-on-year increase in demand.
Global total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 2% year-on-year, while African airlines increased by 4%.
The global industry’s load factor reached 81,1% in February (a 0,4 percentage point increase compared with February 2024).
African airlines’ load factor rose to 75,3% (a two percentage point increase).
“While traffic growth slowed in February, much of this can be explained by factors including the leap year and lunar new year falling in January compared with February last year. February traffic hit an all-time high, and the number of scheduled flights is set to continue increasing in March and April,” said Willie Walsh, IATA DG.