The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for April 2024 global passenger demand with the following highlights:

Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 11.0% compared to April 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 9.6% year-on-year. The April load factor was 82.4% (+1.0ppt compared to April 2023). 

International demand rose 15.8% compared to April 2023; capacity was up 14.8% year-on-year and the load factor improved to 82.2% (+0.7ppt on April 2023). 

Domestic demand rose 4.0% compared to April 2023; capacity was up 2.1% year-on-year and the load factor was 82.6% (+1.5 ppt compared to April 2023). 

 The IATA Passenger Survey also revealed 88% agreement that "air travel makes my life better".

Regional Breakdown - International Markets

All regions showed strong growth for international passenger markets in April 2024 compared to April 2023. The load factor increased to a two-year high, and capacity increases were well-matched to demand.

Domestic markets

Domestic demand increased at a slower pace in April. China’s growth rate moderated to 4.2% reflecting the end of the holiday surge. Japan’s almost flat performance is explained by the end of the fiscal year and the start of the school Spring holiday. Overall, Japan’s RPK trend remains positive.

See for details AVIONEWS.