Passenger demand has remained strong in January according to IATA data

The International Air Transport Association has published the results of world passenger air transport for the first month of 2023. The recovery continues its positive trend

Global traffic, measured in passenger-kilometres carried (RPK), grew 67.0% year-on-year in January 2023, and stands at 84.2% compared to January 2019. Domestic

traffic rose 32.7% year-on-year, driven by the end of the “zero COVID” policy in China. Domestic RPKs stood at 97.4% compared to January 2019.

International traffic accelerated 104.0% year-on-year in January 2023. All regions experienced growth, led by Asia-Pacific airlines. International RPKs stood at 77.0% compared to January 2019.

“Demand for air travel is off to a very healthy start in 2023. The immediate lifting of China’s COVID-19 restrictions on domestic and international travel bodes well for the industry to continue to recover from the pandemic over the long haul. throughout the year More importantly, it appears that the many current economic and geopolitical uncertainties have not dampened demand for travel,” said Willie Walsh, IATA Director General.

Asia-Pacific airlines saw an increase of 376.3% yoy in January 2023, by far the highest yoy rate among all regions, but starting from a very low base considering that much of the region is still it was closed to travel. Capacity increased 167.1% and load factor climbed 36.6 percentage points to 83.3%, the best global figure.

European airlines registered an increase of 60.6% year-on-year. Capacity expanded 30.1% and load factor rose 14.2 percentage points to 75.0%. Middle Eastern airlines posted an increase of 97.7% year-on-year. Capacity increased 45.9% and load factor climbed 20.8 percentage points to 79.2%.

North American airlines saw international traffic increase 82.4% year-on-year in January 2023. Capacity increased 37.3% and load factor rose 19.7 percentage points to 79.6%.

Latin American airlines posted an increase in international RPKs of 46.8% year-on-year. Capacity in January increased 34.3% and load factor rose 7.1 percentage points to 82.7%, the second best overall data.

“With strong travel demand continuing through the traditionally slower winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, the stage is set for an even more intense spring and summer. At a time when many are beginning to enjoy their newly regained freedom to travel, it is very disappointing to see that the Dutch government plans to limit their movements unilaterally and unfairly reducing operations at Schiphol Airport,” Walsh said.