KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Total global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), was up 13.8 per cent in March 2024 compared to the same month last year, said the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
According to IATA, total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 12.3 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y).
"The March load factor was 82.0 per cent (+1.0 percentage point compared to March 2023), while international demand rose 18.9 per cent compared to March 2023.
"Capacity was up 18.8 per cent y-o-y and the load factor improved to 81.6 per cent (+0.1 percentage point on March 2023)," said IATA in a statement.
It added that the domestic demand rose 6.6 per cent compared to March 2023, capacity was up 3.4 per cent y-o-y and the load factor was 82.6 per cent (+2.5 percentage points compared to March 2023).
Commenting on the progress, IATA’s director-general Willie Walsh said the travel demand is strong and there is every indication that this should continue into the peak Northern Summer travel season.
"We must have the capacity to meet this demand and ensure a hassle-free travel experience for passengers," said Walsh.
He said while airlines are prepared for customer care and assistance when operational issues arise, they are fed-up with bearing the cost when delays and cancellations are the result of poor preparation in other parts of the value chain,” added Walsh.
— Bernama
