IATA: Passenger traffic up 11.9%; freight traffic rises 26.5%

IATA reported that world scheduled airline passenger traffic (RPKs) rose 11.9% in June compared to the same month last year, while cargo traffic (FTKs) showed a 26.5% improvement year over year.

“The industry continues to recover faster than expected, but with sharp regional differences. Europe is recovering at half the speed of Asia,” said DG and CEO Giovanni Bisignani. Global passenger capacity (ASKs) rose 5.9% compared to June 2009, and passenger load factor was 79.5%.

Outside of Europe, “all regions reported double-digit growth in passenger traffic,” said IATA, noting that international passenger demand has returned to its upward growth trend following April’s volcanic ash crisis centered over Europe. “Passenger volumes are now 1-2% above the pre-recession peak in the first quarter of 2008.”

Middle Eastern carriers continue to post the fastest growth, with RPKs up 18.0% compared to June 2009 as ASKs rose 13.1%. Asia-Pacific carriers recorded what the organization called "the most significant" traffic growth as RPKs soared 15.5% against just a 4.4% rise in ASKs. IATA reported that China continues to be the region’s “growth engine.” Asia-Pacific carriers also showed a 29.8% rise in FTKs; particularly noteworthy given the significance of freight to many carriers in the region.

North American carriers' RPKs rose 10.8%, following on a 10.9% rise in May, as ASKs climbed 5.6%. European RPKs climbed 7.8%, down slightly from the 8.3% recorded in May as ASKs rose 4.3%. Latin American carriers showed a 14.7% increase in passenger traffic compared to June 2009.

“We remain cautiously optimistic,” said Bisignani. “A clear indication of the growing confidence is the over 400 aircraft orders announced at the Farnborough Airshow. This is good news that will bring environmental benefits through improved fuel efficiency. But it will also make the challenge of matching capacity to demand much more difficult.”