Global airline passenger demand rises in June - IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said that in June global passenger demand growth had accelerated to 7.8% versus a year ago.
Airlines' capacity also increased in June, by 6.5%, with their load factor up by 1% to 82.8%.
The first half of 2018 saw demand growth of 7.0%, a strong performance, but nevertheless down from the 8.3% increase recorded over the same period of last year.
Regarding destinations, June's international passenger demand rose by 7.7% compared to June 2017 with all regions recording growth, but airlines in the Middle East and Africa led the way.
European carriers saw traffic rise 6.1% in June compared to June 2017, down slightly from the 6.3% year-over-year increase recorded in May.
June’s domestic travel climbed 7.9% in June compared to a year ago period and up from the 6.7% growth in May. China and India led in travel within their own borders.
"The first half of 2018 concluded with another month of above-trend demand growth, which is a good indicator for the peak summer travel season in the northern hemisphere," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
"But the looming prospect of a global trade war is casting a long shadow. Additionally, rising cost inputs—fuel prices have soared by approximately 60% over the past year—are reducing the stimulus of lower fares."