IATA: Slight moderation in global passenger growth
The International Air Transport Association has announced global passenger traffic results for October showing that demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometres, or RPKs) rose 5.8 per cent compared to the same month last year.
Capacity grew 6.3 per cent and load factor slid 0.4 percentage points to 80.1 per cent.
October’s performance was a slow-down on the 7.1 per cent year-on-year growth rate recorded in September but still was broadly in line with ten-year averages.
Domestic and international travel growth largely was in balance.
“Passenger demand growth in October was consistent with long-term trends but represented a deterioration compared to September.
“While the negative traffic impact from terror attacks and political instability in parts of the world has receded, the long downward trend in yield - which helped to stimulate travel - has levelled off.
“Furthermore, the recent OPEC agreement to restrict oil production suggests fuel prices have ended their slide,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA director general.