The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic data for October 2019 showing that demand (measured in total revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) climbed 3.4 percent compared to the year-ago period. This was a modest slowdown from 3.9 percent growth recorded in September, owing to softer traffic performance in domestic markets. October capacity (available seat kilometres or ASKs) increased by 2.2 percent and load factor climbed 0.9 percentage point to 82 percent, which was a record for October. “Traffic growth continues to be depressed compared to historical long-term growth levels, reflecting continued moderating economic activity in some key markets and sagging business confidence. However, the fact that traffic is growing is a positive, and the industry continues to do an excellent job of maximising asset efficiency, as shown in the record load factor,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO.
International Passenger Markets
October international passenger demand rose 3.2 percent compared to October 2018, unchanged from September’s year-over-year performance. With the exception of Latin America, all regions recorded increases, led by Middle East airlines for the first time since June 2018. Capacity climbed 1.6 percent, and load factor rose 1.3 percentage points to 81 percent.
Asia-Pacific airlines’ October traffic increased 3.8 percent compared to the year-ago period, a bit below the 4 percent annual growth recorded in September and well down on 2018 growth largely owing to weaker business confidence in a number of key markets, the impact of the US-China trade war and the recent disruptions in Hong Kong. Capacity rose 2.7 percent and load factor edged up 0.9 percentage point to 79.6 percent.
European carriers saw October demand climb 2.1 percent year-to-year, down from 3.2 percent growth in September. On a seasonally-adjusted basis traffic is showing a moderate upward trend despite generally soft economic activity in some of the key markets. Capacity rose 1.3 percent, and load factor climbed 0.7 percentage point to 85.7 percent, which was the highest among regions.
Middle Eastern airlines posted a 5.9 percent traffic increase in October, which was a sharp increase over the 1.8 percent growth seen in September and throughout the year. Capacity increased 0.3 percent and load factor surged 3.9 percentage points to 73.5 percent.
North American carriers had the second highest international demand in October, with traffic up 4.1 percent compared to October a year ago and largely in-line with a 4.3 percent annual increase in September. Growth is underpinned by a solid US economy and robust consumer spending. Capacity rose 2 percent, and load factor grew by 1.6 percentage points to 82.1 percent.
Latin American airlines experienced a 0.6 percent demand drop in October compared to the same month last year. This was the weakest performance in nine years and compared to a 0.9 percent positive growth in September. Deteriorating economic conditions and rising social and political unrest in some of the region’s key economics likely contributed to the results. Capacity fell 2.3 percent and load factor rose 1.4 percentage points to 81.4 percent.
African airlines’ traffic climbed 1.8 percent in October, the same as in September. Economic slowdown in South Africa may have weighed on the recent moderation in demand growth. Capacity rose 3.6 percent, however, and load factor dipped 1.3 percentage points to 69 percent.
Domestic Passenger Markets
Demand for domestic travel climbed 3.6 percent in October compared to October 2018, down from 5.1 percent annual growth recorded in September owing to softer performance in the US and China, the largest domestic markets. Capacity rose 3.4 percent and load factor increased 0.2 percentage point to 83.9 percent.
Chinese airlines’ domestic traffic rose 5.3 percent in October, well down on 8 percent growth recorded in September and the third consecutive month of slowing growth. Modest easing in consumer spending combined with tougher year-ago comparisons contributed to the result.
Indian airlines saw their domestic traffic rise 3.6 percent, up from 1.9 percent in September, supported by the start of the main tourist season. Growth remains well below 2018 levels, however, reflecting the general economic slowdown and the impact of the collapse of Jet Airways.
