In 2019, global passenger air travel demand as measured in revenue passenger kilometers grew 4.2 percent year over year, according to the International Air Transport Association, lower than the 7.3 percent year-over-year growth rate of the year prior. Last year's passenger demand growth rate was the first since 2009 to fall below the 20-year annual growth rate of 5.5 percent. Global capacity rose 3.4 percent year over year. Load factor reached a new record high of 82.6 percent.
"Airlines did well to maintain steady growth last year in the face of a number of challenges. A softer economic backdrop, weak global trade activity, and political and geopolitical tensions took their toll on demand," said IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac in a statement. "Astute capacity management, and the effects of the 737 Max grounding, contributed to another record load factor, helping the industry to manage through weaker demand and improving environmental performance."
Crossborder passenger air demand grew 4.1 percent year over year, down from 7.1 percent year over year in 2018. Crossborder capacity in 2019 rose 3 percent, and load factor edged up 0.8 percentage points to 82 percent.
Domestic air demand rose 4.5 percent year over year, down from 7.8 percent year over year in 2018. Domestic capacity in 2019 rose 4.1 percent and load factor was 83.7 percent.
December 2019
Global passenger air demand in December rose 4.5 percent year over year in December, while capacity climbed 2.1 percent. Load factor rose 1.9 percent to 82.3 percent.
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