Latest news with #passengerdemand
Zawya
04-08-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Middle East airlines see demand drop as global passenger growth slows down in June
Disruption in the Middle East air travel in June saw total passenger demand growing modestly by 2.6 compared to June 2024, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data. Middle Eastern carriers saw a 0.4 percent year-on-year decrease in demand. Capacity increased 1.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 78.7 percent (-1.2 ppt compared to June 2024). Military conflict particularly impacted traffic on routes to North America (-7 percent year-on-year) and Europe (-4.4 percent year-on-year). Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 2.6 percent compared to June 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was also up 3.4 percent year-on-year. The June load factor was 84.5 percent (-0.6 ppt compared to June 2024). International demand rose 3.2 percent compared to June 2024. Capacity was up 4.2 percent year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.4 percent (-0.8 ppt compared to June 2024). International demand rose 3.2 percent compared to June 2024. Capacity was up 4.2 percent year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.4 percent (-0.8 ppt compared to June 2024). Domestic demand increased 1.6 percent compared to June 2024. Capacity was up 2.1 percent year-on-year. The load factor was 84.7 percent (-0.4 ppt compared to June 2024). 'In June, demand for air travel grew by 2.6 percent. That's a slower pace than we have seen in previous months and reflects disruptions around military conflict in the Middle East. With demand growth lagging the 3.4 percent capacity expansion, load factors dipped 0.6 percentage points from their all-time record-high levels. At 84.5 percent globally, however, load factors are still very strong. And with a modest 1.8 percent capacity growth visible in August schedules, load factors over the Northern summer are unlikely to stray far from their recent historic highs,' said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General. International RPK growth reached 3.2 percent in June year-on-year, but load factor fell across all regions as capacity growth outstripped demand. The steepest fall in RPK growth from May was in the Middle East, where international traffic contracted 0.4 percent year-on-year, impacted by military conflict. 2025 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times
02-08-2025
- Business
- Times
British Airways owner's profits soar after strong customer demand
British Airways owner IAG has beaten profit expectations amid persistently strong passenger demand and lower fuel costs, despite taking a big hit from Heathrow's one-day closure in March. The airline group, which also owns Vueling, Iberia and Aer Lingus, reported a more than third increase in second-quarter operating profit to €1.7 billion in the three months ended June 30, well ahead of City forecasts of €1.4 billion. Total revenue increased 6.8 per cent to €8.8 billion, driven by a 4.9 per cent rise in passenger revenue to €7.8 billion year-on-year. A bumper performance came despite the group booking a €50 million hit from the closure of Heathrow after the North Hyde substation fire in March. 'We continue to benefit from the trend of a structural shift in consumer spending towards travel,' Luis Gallego, chief executive, said on Friday. Gallego said the results gave him confidence that the FTSE 100 group would be able to create value for 'shareholders through our sustainable dividend and share buyback'. IAG brought back dividends for the first time since the pandemic last year amid a long-running boom in travel demand. It will provide an update for investors on payouts in November. Shares in the group have risen more than 130 per cent over the past 12 months. Before the results, analysts had been concerned about a number of geopolitical and macroeconomic headwinds, including jet fuel prices in the wake of Israel's conflict with Iran and the impact of President Trump's tariffs on consumer spending. IAG said the group's airlines had 'all benefited' from lower fuel prices. Fuel costs this year were down €291 million, or 7.6 per cent year-on-year, driven by lower prices and only partially offset by increased flying volumes. IAG said on Friday it had seen strong demand across its core markets in Europe, Latin America and the North Atlantic. It did, however, note some 'softness' in US economy bookings, a warning that sent shares down by about 1.4 per cent amid investor concern over the impact of Trump's trade policy and a more hostile US border on transatlantic travel. IAG said it had partially mitigated tempered US economy bookings via strength in its premium cabin offering, as capacity across the North Atlantic grew by 1.1 per cent over the half year. In May the European Travel Commission warned of 'heightened uncertainty' in the transatlantic market. Trips between the UK and US have remained broadly level this year at Heathrow, British Airways' primary hub, at 9.7 million, although there was a slight dip before the summer. Globally, half-year passenger numbers declined slightly, by 0.7 per cent to 57.8 million, although this was against a record year of demand in 2024. The company recently announced a multibillion-pound order for 53 intercontinental aircraft from Boeing and Airbus as the post-pandemic travel boom shows little sign of a tail-off. IAG's interim results were published hours after Heathrow submitted its long-awaited plans for a third runway, as part of a £50 billion investment in expanding its infrastructure. The hub's main airlines, which include British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, are generally supportive of growing the UK's biggest airport. However, they have backed alternative proposals from the billionaire property developer Surinder Arora for a shorter, 2,800m third strip. The airport's plan, which is entirely privately funded, includes a contentious proposal to divert a huge section of the M25 through a tunnel under the new runway.
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
International passenger growth hits 5% in May: IATA
GENEVA: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for May 2025 global passenger demand. Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 5.0% compared to May 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was also up 5.0% year-on-year. The May load factor was 83.4% (-0.1 ppt compared to May 2024). International demand rose 6.7% compared to May 2024. Capacity was up 6.4% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.2% (+0.2 ppt compared to May 2024). This is a record load factor on international flights for May. Domestic demand increased 2.1% compared to May 2024. Capacity was up 2.8% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.7% (-0.5 ppt compared to May 2024). 'Air travel demand growth was uneven in May. Globally, the industry reported 5% growth with Asia-Pacific taking the lead at 9.4%. The outlier was North America which reported a 0.5% decline, led by a 1.7% fall in the US domestic market. Severe disruptions in the Middle East in late June remind us that geopolitical instability remains a challenge in some regions as airlines maintain safe operations with minimal passenger inconvenience,'' said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General. The impact of such instability on oil prices—which remained low throughout May—is also a critical factor to monitor. Importantly, consumer confidence appears to be strong with forward bookings for the peak Northern summer travel season, giving good reason for optimism,' Walsh added.
Zawya
10-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Airlines forecast profit growth in 2025, headwinds persist
The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has released its updated outlook for 2025, forecasting stronger profitability for airlines over 2024, despite continued global economic and geopolitical challenges. Source: Archive The industry is expected to post a net profit of $36.0bn in 2025, an increase from the $32.4bn projected for 2024, though slightly below the $36.6bn estimate made in December 2024. The net profit margin will improve from 3.4% to 3.7%, while operating profits are forecast to rise to $66.0 bn from $61.9bnn the previous year. Total revenues are set to reach a record $979bn, up 1.3% year-on-year, driven by strong demand, with passenger numbers climbing to an all-time high of 4.99 billion, representing a 4.0% increase on 2024. Cargo volumes will also edge up by 0.6% to 69 million tonnes. "The first half of 2025 has brought significant uncertainties to global markets. Nonetheless, by many measures, including net profits, it will still be a better year for airlines than 2024, although slightly below our previous projections. "The biggest positive driver is the price of jet fuel, which has fallen 13% compared with 2024 and 1% below previous estimates," says Willie Walsh, Iata's director general. Passenger demand and revenues climb Passenger load factors are set to reach a record 84.0%, reflecting capacity constraints from persistent supply chain bottlenecks affecting fleet deliveries and maintenance. Total passenger revenues will hit a record $693 billion, a 1.6% increase, including a notable 6.7% rise in ancillary revenues to $144 billion. Passenger traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), is expected to expand by 5.8%, with average airfares easing as passenger yields decline by 4.0% in response to falling oil prices and competitive pricing pressures. The average return airfare, adjusted for inflation, will drop to $374, about 40% lower than 2014 levels in real terms. In a recent April 2025 IATA passenger poll, 40% of respondents indicated they planned to travel more in the year ahead, while 53% said they would travel the same as before. Encouragingly, 47% expressed an intention to spend more on travel, underscoring continued consumer appetite for air journeys despite economic headwinds. Cargo revenue dips amid slower growth On the cargo side, revenues are projected to fall by 4.7% to $142bn due to a softening global economy and growing protectionism. Cargo growth will slow to 0.7%, following an 11.3% expansion in 2024, as yields are anticipated to decline by 5.2%. However, cargo demand remained resilient into April 2025, up 5.8% year-on-year. Airlines' total expenses will climb to $913bn, a 1.0% increase, though this will be offset by a lower fuel bill of $236bn, with average jet fuel prices expected at $86 per barrel, down from $99 the previous year. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production is set to double to 2 million tonnes, accounting for 0.7% of total fuel use, though high SAF prices — more than 4.2 times the cost of conventional jet fuel — remain a challenge, compounded by European compliance fees. 'The behaviour of fuel suppliers in fulfilling the SAF mandates is an outrage. The cost of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is estimated to be an enormous $4.7t. Fuel suppliers must stop profiteering on the limited SAF supplies available and ramp up production to meet the legitimate needs of their customers,' Walsh commented. The cost of Corsia carbon credits is expected to rise to $1bn in 2025, though currently only Guyana has issued the high-quality credits required by the scheme. Delivery delays and engine issues persist Aircraft manufacturers continue to grapple with backlogs exceeding 17,000 aircraft, pushing waiting times for new orders to as long as 14 years. Deliveries are forecast to reach 1,692 aircraft in 2025 — the highest since 2018 — yet this remains 26% below earlier estimates. Engine supply chain problems have grounded over 1,100 aircraft under 10 years old, equivalent to 3.8% of the global fleet, primarily due to PW1000G engine issues. "Manufacturers continue to let their airline customers down. Every airline is frustrated that these problems have persisted so long. And indications that it could take until the end of the decade to fix them are off-the-chart unacceptable!" Walsh stresses. Regional outlook North America leads, Africa lags Regionally, North America will maintain the highest absolute profit, though airlines face economic slowdown and operational constraints. In Europe, robust demand, especially from low-cost carriers, and a stronger Euro are bolstering performance. Asia Pacific is benefitting from relaxed visa policies and improved capacity on China-US routes, while Latin America's prospects remain mixed amid local currency weakness and a proposed Brazilian VAT increase on air travel. Middle Eastern carriers will achieve the highest profit per passenger carried, although growth is hampered by aircraft delivery delays, and Africa continues to face the toughest conditions due to high operational costs, fleet shortages, and access to foreign currency. Public support and climate goals Public sentiment toward air travel remains positive, with IATA's April poll showing 97% of travellers satisfied with their journeys, and 90% believing air connectivity is essential for modern life and economic development. Confidence in the sector's climate ambitions also remains strong, with 81% of travellers trusting airlines' commitment to achieve net-zero CO2 by 2050, far outpacing confidence in government and oil company climate strategies. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
29-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Air passenger demand up 8% in April
The global air passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 8% in April 2025, compared to April 2024, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) data. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 6.5% year-on-year. The April load factor was 83.6% (+1.1 ppt compared to April 2024). Middle Eastern carriers saw an 11.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 6.6% year-on-year and the load factor was 83.1% (+3.4 ppt compared to April 2024). Globally, international demand rose 10.8% compared to April 2024. Capacity was up 8.5% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.1% (+1.7 ppt compared to April 2024), the highest ever for April. Domestic demand increased 3.3% compared to April 2024 and capacity was up 3.1% year-on-year. The load factor was 82.7% (+0.1 ppt compared to April 2024). 'April was a positive month for travel. Growth strengthened, especially for international demand which saw record load factors for the month. The return of the transatlantic market to growth is particularly encouraging. But there are some signs of fragility of consumer and business confidence with continued weakness in the US domestic market and a sharp fall in North American premium class travel,' said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General. 'As we gather in New Delhi, India for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit, it is notable that Indian domestic growth is running at over 10%. The development of India's air connectivity in recent years has been nothing short of phenomenal, making this year's gathering a timely and powerful reminder for all on how aviation connectivity drives growth and development,' said Walsh. Regional breakdown - international passenger markets International RPK growth accelerated to 10.8% in April year-on-year, with growth in all regions and load factors increasing everywhere except a slight fall in Latin America. Africa resumed growth after two months of declines, and North American international RPK grew (+5.4%), but suffered a 26% fall in First and Business class travel. Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 14.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 12.7% year-on-year and the load factor was 85.3% (+1.3 ppt compared to April 2024). European carriers had a 9.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 7.7% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.5% (+1.3 ppt compared to April 2024). North American carriers saw a 5.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 2.6% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.4% (+2.2 ppt compared to April 2024). Latin American airlines saw a 13.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 14.6% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.2% (-0.6 ppt compared to April 2024). African airlines saw a 13.6% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 8.9% year-on-year. The load factor was 76.3% (+3.1 ppt compared to April 2024). Domestic passenger markets
