Global passenger capacity reached 82% of pre-pandemic levels in December 2022, according to aviation market intelligence consultancy IBA.
Data from IBA’s Insight platform and published in its monthly Aviation Industry Barometer showed approximately 2.33 million commercial passenger flights worldwide in December, up from the 2.2 million during the previous month and the 2.13 million in December 2021.
But the Asia Pacific's slower recovery continued with the region's 62% of pre-pandemic levels coming as most regions hit 90-100%.
"The removal of China’s zero-Covid policy restrictions should spur the Asia Pacific region’s capacity recovery during the first quarter of 2023, and allow global capacity to reach pre-pandemic levels sooner than previously anticipated," IBA said.
Monthly global passenger capacity reached 82% of pre-pandemic available seat kilometres (ASKs) in December 2022 , up 13% compared to January 2022.
IBA data showed demand for aircraft climbing to meet the increase in traffic, with 217 commercial aircraft deliveries in December 2022, a month-on-month increase of 71% and a year-on-year gain of 43%.