IATA reports that global passenger traffic results for October 2015 indicate continued strong demand growth for both domestic and international traffic compared to the same month in 2014.
Total revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) rose 7.5%, which was in line with the 7.4% year-over-year expansion seen in September. October capacity (available seat kilometres or ASKs) increased by 5.7%, and load factor rose 1.4 percentage points to 80.5%.
The growth in air travel has been stimulated by lower fares, particularly for leisure travel.
Data for the first eight months of the year show a 5% fall in average fares in currency-adjusted terms. It is estimated that the fall in fares has supported approximately three percentage points of the rise in traffic year-to-date.
Tony Tyler, IATA’s director general and CEO, said, “The air travel story is generally a good one. There are some weak spots. For example the Brazilian air transport sector is caught in perfect storm of a deepening recession, high costs and a weak currency. In most parts of the world we see strong demand for travel exceeding the growth in capacity. Load factors are averaging over 80% and consumers are the big winners with fares trending downwards.”
While he noted that the end of the year is a festive time around the world, IATA’s boss observed, “This year’s celebrations will be juxtaposed against the sombre reality of recent terrorist activity in the Middle East and Europe. This, by all indications, also includes the downing of Metrojet 9268 with the loss of all aboard.”
Tyler said that, “Acts of terror, whether they occur on a city street or at 30,000 feet, will not get the better of us, or succeed in limiting the possibilities of our world. The most important response to acts and threats of terrorism is to show that we will not let the terrorists change our lives.”
And he continued, “That extends to aviation and tourism. Over 100,000 flights will bring a million people together today because of the efforts of 8.7 million people — aviation professionals. These efforts will create opportunities for business and leisure and for greater understanding among people and cultures.”
Tyler concluded, “By doing so, flying is a force for good in our world. As we look to 2016 and beyond it’s a reality that should continue to inspire us all.”