KUALA LUMPUR: Total global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres, was up 7.1 per cent in October 2024 compared to the same month last year, said the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres, was up 6.1 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y), while the October load factor was 83.9 per cent, 0.8 percentage points (ppt) higher compared to October 2023.

International demand rose 9.5 per cent compared to October 2023. Capacity was up 8.6 per cent y-o-y, and the load factor rose to 83.5 per cent, which is 0.6 ppt higher compared to October 2023.

Domestic demand increased by 3.5 per cent compared to October 2023. Capacity was up 2.0 per cent y-o-y, and the load factor was 84.5 per cent, marking a 1.2 ppt increase compared to the previous October.

IATA director-general Willie Walsh highlighted that the continued strong and stable demand is positive news, but the steady improvement in load factors is equally
significant. “It shows what a great job the industry is doing in flying people more efficiently,” he stated.

IATA also noted that all regions exhibited growth in international passenger markets in October 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. Europe had the highest load factors, while Africa showed a significant increase. However, the Americas and the Middle East experienced declines.

Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 17.5 per cent y-o-y increase in demand, with capacity rising by 17.2 per cent y-o-y, and the load factor reaching 82.9 per cent, which is 0.3 ppt higher compared to October 2023.