African airlines report 11.9% growth in passenger demand and 76% load factor in September 2024 – IATA

In September 2024, African airlines saw passenger demand increase by 11.9% year-on-year, reaching a load factor of 76.0%.

This load factor, which indicates the proportion of available seats filled by paying passengers, reflects the efficient use of seats.

The increase in demand, measured in passenger kilometers (RPK), shows a strong recovery in Africa’s aviation sector, while capacity, measured in passenger kilometers (ASK), increased by 6.6%.

The data, as reported in the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) latest global passenger demand update, highlights Africa’s strengthening position in global aviation.

“African airlines saw demand increase by 11.9% year on year. Capacity increased by 6.6% compared to the same period last year. Load factor increased to 76.0% (+3.6pp compared to September 2023).” The report has been partially read.

The IATA report notes broader global demand growth of 7.1% year-on-year in September 2024, with average load factors across all regions reaching 83.6%, up 1.0 percentage points from the previous year.

Growing demand in Africa has made it one of the fastest-recovering regions, highlighting the continent’s growing competitiveness in the global aviation market.

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In other regions of the world, rates varied. Asia-Pacific airlines led the global economic recovery, achieving 18.5% growth in passenger demand, driven by a 17.7% increase in capacity and an 82.6% load factor, reflecting strong demand and efficient seat utilization.

• Lagging behind, European carriers recorded demand growth of 7.6% and posted the highest load factor at 85.9%, indicating strong operational efficiency.

• Middle East airlines posted moderate growth, with demand up 4.4% and load factor at 81.4%, indicating a robust recovery in the region.

• In North America, demand grew more modestly by 0.5%, with load factor falling to 84.4%, indicating subdued passenger growth relative to capacity.

• Latin American airlines recorded a notable increase in demand of 12.4%, although load factors fell slightly to 84.3% as capacity increases slightly outpaced passenger growth.

• Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, highlighted the benefits and challenges brought about by the surge in global travel demand.

• He stressed that each flight makes a significant contribution to economic growth by creating jobs and expanding trade, although he warned of a potential “capacity crisis” that could limit those benefits if infrastructure needs are not met.

• Walsh stressed the need for governments to provide sufficient infrastructure, particularly at airports and air traffic control, to support the growth of the aviation industry.

IATA data points to the competitive advantage achieved by African airlines thanks to strong growth in passenger demand and increased seat occupancy, positioning the continent well within the broader global aviation recovery.

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