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Aviation hits record load factors in August as demand growth outstrips capacity

Aviation load factors in August hit a record high as demand outstripped supply, according to the latest figures from global trade body IATA.

The association reported revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) was up 8.6% in the month while available seat kilometre was up just 6.5%.

The August load factor was 86.2% (+1.6ppt compared to August 2023), a new record high announced IATA.

International demand rose 10.6% compared to August 2023. Capacity was up 10.1% year-on-year and the load factor rose to 85.7% (+0.4ppt compared to August 2023).

Domestic demand rose 5.6% compared to August 2023. Capacity was up 1.2% year-on-year and the load factor was 86.9% (+3.6ppt compared to August 2023).

Willie Walsh, IATA director general, said: “The market for air travel is hot and airlines are doing a great job at meeting the growing demand for travel.

“Efficiency gains have driven load factors to record highs while the 6.5% capacity increase demonstrates resilience in the face of persistent supply chain issues and infrastructure deficiencies.

He added: “Looking ahead, the continued strong demand growth signals that we could be fast approaching an infrastructure capacity crunch that would restrict connectivity and choice for passengers and businesses.

“If governments want to maximize the benefits of aviation, they must take bold decisions to ensure sufficient infrastructure capacity.

“And, in the interim, both airports and air navigation service providers need to do more with the resources they currently have.

“In particular, the variance in declared capacity of airports with broadly the same infrastructure needs to be resolved, with airports emulating the best performers.

“The industry cannot afford to under-utilize the airport infrastructure that we have.”

The post Aviation hits record load factors in August as demand growth outstrips capacity appeared first on Aviation Business News.

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