Global air travel demand grew 7.2 percent year over year in
August, pushing the global load factor near record levels for the month, according
to the International Air Transport Association. Growth is likely to continue
through the end of the year but at a slower pace as "some important demand
drivers are easing, particularly lower fares," according to IATA director
general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac.
International passenger demand increased 7 percent on a
global basis, up in each region as global capacity increased 6.1 percent. In
North America, international demand was up 5.5 percent, nearly double its
five-year average, but IATA also noted signs that stricter
security measures for travel to the U.S. are affecting demand.
Domestic air travel demand rose 7.6 percent year over year
in August as capacity increased 6.9 percent. Demand increased in all major
markets except Australia, where carriers have cut domestic capacity over the
past year, according to IATA.
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