August air passenger traffic up 7.2%, says IATA

Global passenger traffic demand climbed 7.2 per cent in August compared to the year-ago period, said IATA, adding that the upward trend in seasonally-adjusted traffic has eased from that seen at the end of 2016.

August capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) increased by 6.3 per cent, and load factor climbed 0.7 per cent percentage points to 84.5 per cent, which was just below the record for the month set in 2015.

"Following the strong summer traffic season in the Northern hemisphere, 2017 is on course to be another year of strong traffic growth. However, some important demand drivers are easing, particularly lower fares. As we head towards the end of the year we still expect growth to continue, but potentially at a slower pace," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

August international passenger demand rose seven per cent compared to August 2016. All regions recorded increases, led by airlines in Latin America. Capacity climbed 6.1 per cent, and load factor edged up 0.8 percentage points to 84.5 per cent.

North American airlines’ international demand rose 5.5 per cent compared to August a year ago, up from four per cent growth recorded in July and nearly double the five-year average of 3.1 per cent. However, there are signs that inbound travel to the US is being negatively-impacted by the additional security measures now involved with travelling there.

Capacity rose 3.9 per cent, and load factor grew by 1.4 percentage points to 86.6 per cent. Demand for domestic travel around the world climbed 7.6 per cent in August compared to August 2016, on pace with the 7.5 per cent growth recorded in July. Capacity rose 6.9 per cent and load factor increased 0.6 percentage points to 84.5 per cent. All markets reported demand increases with the exception of Australia.