IATA: Pax, cargo both show growth in April

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for April 2025 global air cargo markets showing total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), rose by 5.8% compared to April 2024 levels (+6.5% for international operations). Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), increased by 6.3% compared to April 2024 (+6.9% for international operations). IATA Director General Willie Walsh. (PHOTO: IATA) “Air cargo demand grew strongly in April, with volumes up 5.8% year-on-year, building on March’s solid performance. Seasonal demand for fashion and consumer goods—front-loading ahead of US tariff changes—and lower jet fuel prices have combined to boost air cargo. With available capacity at record levels and yields improving, the outlook for air cargo is encouraging. While April brought good news, stresses in world trade are no secret. Shifts in trade policy, particularly in the US, are already reshaping demand and export dynamics. Airlines will need to remain flexible as the situation develops over the coming months,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Several factors in the operating environment should be noted: Year-on-year, world industrial production rose 3.2% in March. Air cargo growth outpaced global goods trade, which increased by 6.5% over the previous month; Jet fuel prices dropped 21.2% year-on-year and 4.1% month-on-month, the third consecutive monthly decrease; The global manufacturing PMI rose to 50.5 in April, signalling expansion for the fourth consecutive month. However, the PMI for new export orders fell 2.8 points to 47.2, remaining below the 50 threshold for growth. Air cargo market in detail – April 2025 April 2025 (% year-on-year) World share1 CTK ACTK CLF (%-pt) CLF (level) Total Market 100% 5.8% 6.3% -0.2% 43.9% Africa 2.0% 4.7% 9.7% -2.0% 41.6% Asia Pacific 34.2% 10.0% 9.4% 0.3% 44.8% Europe 21.5% 2.9% 3.3% -0.2% 51.9% Latin America 2.9% 10.1% 8.5% 0.6% 39.0% Middle East 13.6% 2.3% 5.5% -1.3% 43.5% North America 25.8% 4.2% 4.6% -0.2% 38.6% 1% of industry CTKs in 2024 April Regional Performance Asia-Pacific airlines saw 10.0% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in April. Capacity increased by 9.4% year-on-year. North American carriers saw 4.2% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in April. Capacity increased by 4.6% year-on-year. European carriers saw 2.9% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in April. Capacity increased 3.3% year-on-year. Middle Eastern carriers saw 2.3% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in April, the slowest among the regions. Capacity increased by 5.5% year-on-year. Latin American carriers saw a 10.1% year-on-year increase in demand growth for air cargo in April, the strongest growth among the regions. Capacity increased 8.5% year-on-year. African airlines saw a 4.7% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in April. Capacity increased by 9.7% year-on-year. Trade Lane Growth: All international routes experienced growth in April, except for Middle East-Europe, Africa-Asia, and intra-European route. Passenger growth accelerates to 8% in April (PHOTO: Shutterstock) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for April 2025 global passenger demand with the following highlights: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was up 8.0% compared to April 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 6.5% year-on-year. The April load factor was 83.6% (+1.1 ppt compared to April 2024). International demand rose 10.8% compared to April 2024. Capacity was up 8.5% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.1% (+1.7 ppt compared to April 2024), the highest ever for April. Domestic demand increased 3.3% compared to April 2024. Capacity was up 3.1% year-on-year. The load factor was 82.7% (+0.1 ppt compared to April 2024). “April was a positive month for travel. Growth strengthened, especially for international demand which saw record load factors for the month. The return of the transatlantic market to growth is particularly encouraging. But there are some signs of fragility of consumer and business confidence with continued weakness in the US domestic market and a sharp fall in North American premium class travel,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “As we gather in New Delhi, India for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit, it is notable that Indian domestic growth is running at over 10%. The development of India’s air connectivity in recent years has been nothing short of phenomenal, making this year’s gathering a timely and powerful reminder for all on how aviation connectivity drives growth and development,” said Walsh. Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets  Air passenger market in detail – April 2025 April 2025 (% year-on-year) World share1 RPK ASK PLF (%-pt) PLF (level) Total Market 100% 8.0% 6.5% 1.1% 83.6% Africa 2.2% 14.2% 10.3% 2.6% 76.3% Asia Pacific 33.5% 10.6% 7.9% 2.0% 84.4% Europe 26.7% 8.3% 6.6% 1.3% 85.1% Latin America 5.3% 10.9% 10.1% 0.6% 82.3% Middle East 9.4% 11.3% 6.7% 3.4% 82.9% North America 22.9% 1.6% 3.2% -1.3% 81.9% 1% of industry RPKs in 2024 International RPK growth accelerated to 10.8% in April year-on-year, with growth in all regions and load factors increasing everywhere except a slight fall in Latin America. Africa resumed growth after two months of declines, and North American international RPK grew (+5.4%), but suffered a 26% fall in First and Business class travel. Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 14.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 12.7% year-on-year and the load factor was 85.3% (+1.3 ppt compared to April 2024). European carriers had a 9.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 7.7% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.5% (+1.3 ppt compared to April 2024). Middle Eastern carriers saw an 11.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 6.6% year-on-year and the load factor was 83.1% (+3.4 ppt compared to April 2024). North American carriers saw a 5.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 2.6% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.4% (+2.2 ppt compared to April 2024). Latin American airlines saw a 13.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 14.6% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.2% (-0.6 ppt compared to April 2024). African airlines saw a 13.6% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 8.9% year-on-year. The load factor was 76.3% (+3.1 ppt compared to April 2024). Domestic Passenger Markets April 2025 (% year-on-year) World share1 RPK ASK PLF (%-pt) PLF (level) Domestic 38.2% 3.3% 3.1% 0.1% 82.7% Dom. Australia 0.8% 2.4% -2.2% 3.7% 81.5% Dom. Brazil 1.1% 13.5% 7.7% 4.2% 81.1% Dom. China P.R. 11.3% 7.0% 3.7% 2.6% 83.9% Dom. India 1.6% 10.1% 11.3% -0.9% 85.7% Dom. Japan 1.0% 7.3% 2.3% 3.4% 73.6% Dom. US 14.4% -0.5% 3.4% -3.1% 80.6% 1% of industry RPKs in 2024; Note: The six domestic passenger markets for which data are available account for about 30.2% of global total RPKs and 79.1% of total domestic RPKs Domestic RPK rose 3.3% over April 2024 and load factor increased just 0.1 ppt to 82.7% on the back of 3.1% capacity expansion. Domestic US traffic was the only market to contract (-0.5%) for a third straight month of decline, while India and Brazil expanded at a double-digit pace. India’s capacity expansion was even faster, leading to a slight fall in load factor, but its PLF is still the highest of the major domestic markets. Aviation leaders gather in New Delhi for IATA AGM The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that leaders of the global aviation industry are gathering for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) which will take place in New Delhi, India from 1-3 June 2025. India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is expected to deliver a keynote address to delegates. IndiGo is the host airline of the event, which was last held in India in 1983. Some 1,700 participants are registered to attend, including industry leaders, government officials and media. “We are excited to bring the IATA AGM to India after a 42-year gap. India’s place in global aviation has changed dramatically, particularly over the last decade. The country has seen record aircraft orders, impressive growth, and world class infrastructure developments. The AGM will allow aviation leaders and journalists from around the world to witness first-hand how India’s rapidly modernizing and expanding aviation sector is contributing to the country’s overall economic and social development,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. India’s aviation industry directly employs 369,700 people and generates $5.6 billion of GDP. When indirect, induced and tourism impacts are included, the totals rise to 7.7 million jobs and $53.6 billion of GDP (1.5%). “As the host airline of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting, IndiGo warmly welcomes the global airline community to India. Aviation is a powerful force for good worldwide, and that is particularly evident in India. India’s aviation market is rapidly thriving while significantly contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth and IndiGo is at the forefront of this upward trajectory. IndiGo is proud to invite the IATA AGM back to India, and we look forward to showcasing the exciting developments in this market and the warm hospitality of India, during this global mega-event. This is India’s time!” said Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo and Chair of the IATA Board of Governors. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]