Global passenger demand up 13.8% in March

Total passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), was up 13.8% in March 2024 year-on-year (YoY). Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), was up 12.3% (YoY). In addition, load factor for the month was up one percentage point YoY to 82%. ""It is critical that we have the capacity to meet this demand and ensure a hassle-free travel experience for passengers,"" said IATA director general Willie Walsh. ""That means making urgent progress to resolve supply chain issues and for airports and air traffic management to be fully staffed and operating at maximum efficiency. ""While airlines are prepared for customer care and assistance when operational issues arise, they are fed-up of bearing the cost when delays and cancellations are the result of poor preparation in other parts of the value chain."" International demand was up 18.9% and capacity was up 18.8% YoY. Domestic demand rose 6.6% and capacity was up 3.4% YoY.