The International Air Transport Association reports that the demand in terms of Revenue Passenger kilometers (RPK) increased by 4.2% compared to the year 2018, which marked the lowest growth rate recorded since the financial crisis of 2009, while the load rate increased by 0.7% to reach 82.6%. This pace is due to the weakness of the economy, the slowdown in commercial activity, and geopolitical tensions.
Furthermore, according to the Director General of the International Air Transport Association the rational governance and the decision to stop operation of the 737B MAX aircraft contributed to the increase in terms of load rate, which helped improve environmental performance.
The pace of air traffic growth varies from region to region as follows:
Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK)
The growth rate was in descending order:
- 4.9% in the Africa region.
- 4.8% in the Asia region.
4.2% in Europe and Latin America.
- 4.1% in North America
2.4% in the Middle East.
ASK Percentage Displayed (available seat kilometers)
4.7% in Africa.
- 4.5% in Asia Pacific.
- 3.6% in Europe.
- 2.9% in Latin America.
2.8% in North America.
0.1% in the Middle East.
Load factor:
85.2% in Europe (0.5% growth rate)
84.9% in North America (1% growth rate)
82.6% in Latin America (1% growth rate)
81.9% in Asia Pacific (0.2% growth rate)
76.2% in the Middle East (1.7% growth rate)
71.7% in Africa (0.1% growth rate)
In terms of international travelers, air carriers registered an increase of 4.1%, lower than the rate recorded in 2018 (7.1%).
It is apportioned over the regions as follows:
Asia Pacific Air Carriers:
A growth rate of 4.5% (8.5%) in 2018), and an increase in terms of available capacity by 4.1% against 80.9% for the load factor (80.6% in 2019). These indicators are due to the impact of the economic war between the United States of America and China and a decrease in economic activity.
European Air Carriers:
A growth rate of 4.4% ((7.5 in 2018) and an increase in terms of available capacity by 3.7%) compared to 85.6%) for the load factor (85 in 2018); these indicators are the result of slowing economic activity and doubts surrounding Britain´s withdrawal from the European Union as well as the bankruptcy of many air carriers.
Middle East Air Carriers:
A pace of growth equivalent to 2.6%, which is the weakest pace compared to the rest of the regions (4.9% in 2018) and an increase in the available capacity by 0.1% against a load factor of 76.3% (75.5% in 2018).
North American Air Carriers:
A growth rate of 3.9% (5% in 2018), and a 2.2% increase in the available capacity compared to a load factor of 84% (82.7% in 2018). These results are due to the slowdown in the US economy.
Latin American Air Carriers:
A growth rate of 3% (7.5% in 2018) with a 1.6% increase in the available capacity versus a load factor of 82.9% (81.8 in 2018). These results are due to social unrest and economic hardship in many countries of the region
African Air Carriers:
A growth rate of 5% (6.3% in 2018), with an available capacity increasing by 4.5% against a load factor of 71.3% (71% in 2018). These results are due to favorable economic conditions and an increase in the number of airlines.