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EU Air Connectivity Flatlined Under High Costs and Onerous Regulation
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data showing that European air connectivity essentially flatlined in 2025 with a net 1% growth in the total number of routes connecting the continent (both internally and with other parts of the world). This is below the compound annual growth of 1.5% over the last decade. “The growth of airline route networks reflects both developments in demand and the operating environment. That the European Union (EU)’s air connectivity virtually flatlined in 2025 is no surprise.
Pika Aero and DGM France Win 2026 IATA CBTA Center Innovation Award
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Pika Aero and DGM France were each recognized as winners of this year’s IATA Competency-Based Training and Assessment Center (CBTA Center) Best Innovation Award.
EVA Air, Evergreen Air Cargo Services and Evergreen Airline Services Corp. Earn IATA CEIV
EVA Air, Evergreen Air Cargo Services (EGAC) and Evergreen Airline Services Corp. (EGAS), which collectively obtained CEIV Lithium Batteries from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in January this year, have once again joined forces to earn dual professional certifications for CEIV Fresh and CEIV Live Animals, becoming one of the few airline systems worldwide to simultaneously hold three accreditations across airline operations, cargo warehousing, and ground handling services. This achievement highlights EVA Air and its affiliated service companies’ strong integration capabilities and international-level service quality in special cargo transportation.
3.6% Air Passenger Growth in September
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for September 2025 global passenger demand with the following highlights: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 3.6% compared to September 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 3.7% year-on-year. The September load factor was 83.4% (-0.1 ppt compared to September 2024).
IATA Statement on UK Government’s Heathrow Expansion Announcement
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomes the UK Government’s renewed commitment to unlocking economic growth, enhancing global connectivity, and supporting trade and tourism by expanding Heathrow Airport, the country’s primary hub. “The government’s long-term goal to stimulate the economy by expanding global connectivity with a Heathrow expansion is spot on. However, the political haste to move quickly to capture the economic benefit of construction will seriously handicap the UK in the long term if it fails to build something that is affordable.
High Expectations for 42nd ICAO Assembly
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has high expectations for the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (Montreal, 23 September-3 October 2025). ICAO has accepted 14 working papers authored by IATA covering a wide range of topics for the Assembly’s consideration.
Cabin Bag Proposal “Meddling in Issues MEPs Don’t Understand”
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) accused the European Parliament of meddling in operational and commercial issues that it doesn’t understand, following moves to make cabin luggage allowance obligatory, regardless of whether the passenger needs it or not.
Willie Walsh on the Future of Middle East Aviation
The Middle East continues to emerge as a global aviation powerhouse, thanks to a confluence of favorable geography, government support, and significant infrastructure investment. According to Willie Walsh, Director-General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the region’s success is the result of strategic coordination between governments and airlines, robust infrastructure development, and the creation of both strong hub connectivity and origin-destination traffic.
Turkish Airlines Chairman Prof. Ahmet Bolat Re-elected to the IATA Board of Directors
Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat, has been re-elected to the Board of Directors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for a second term during the IATA’s 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in New Delhi. During his three-year tenure, Prof. Bolat will continue to contribute to the global aviation vision and represent the industry among other leading aviation executives.
Airline Profitability to Strengthen Slightly in 2025 Despite Headwinds
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced updates to its 2025 airline industry financial outlook, showing improved profitability over 2024 and resilience in the face of global economic and political shifts.
IATA reports 13.6% rise in African airlines’ international passenger demand in April 2025
African airlines saw a 13.6% rise in international passenger demand in April 2025 compared to April 2024, showing steady recovery and growth in Africa’s aviation market amid a global rebound. This data was obtained from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s April 2025 report, which also showed African carriers increased international passenger capacity by 8.9% year-on-year. Despite this growth, Africa recorded the lowest load factor among regions at 76.3%, meaning fewer than eight in ten seats on international flights were filled.
Airline leaders assemble for IATA AGM in Delhi
Leaders of the global aviation industry are gathering for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) taking place in New Delhi, India from 1-3 June 2025.