African airlines report 11.9% increase in passenger demand and 76% load factor by September 2024 - IATA

African airlines experienced an 11.9% increase in passenger demand in September 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching a load factor of 76.0%.

This occupancy rate, which indicates the share of available seating capacity filled by paying passengers, reflects efficient seat use.

The increase in demand, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPKs), demonstrates a strong recovery in the African aviation sector, while capacity, represented by Available Seat Kilometers (ASKs), increased by 6.6%.

This data, as reported in the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) latest global passenger demand update, highlights Africa’s strengthening position in global aviation.

“African airlines saw demand increase by 11.9% year-on-year. Capacity increased by 6.6% year-on-year. The occupancy rate increased to 76.0% (+3.6 ppt compared to September 2023),” the report was read in part.

The IATA report highlighted a broader global demand increase of 7.1% year-on-year for September 2024, with average occupancy across all regions reaching 83.6%, up 1.0 percentage points from the previous year.

Demand growth in Africa positioned the country as one of the fastest recovering regions, highlighting the continent’s growing competitiveness in the global aviation landscape.

More insights

In other global regions, performance varied. Asia Pacific airlines led the global recovery, delivering an 18.5% increase in passenger demand, supported by a 17.7% increase in capacity and an 82.6% load factor, reflecting strong demand and efficient chair use.

European airlines, closely followed, recorded a 7.6% increase in demand and achieved the highest load factor at 85.9%, indicating strong operational efficiency.

Middle Eastern airlines experienced moderate growth, with demand up 4.4% and load factors at 81.4%, indicating a steady recovery within the region.

In North America, demand grew more modestly by 0.5%, with load factors falling to 84.4%, indicating limited passenger growth relative to capacity.

Latin American airlines recorded a notable increase in demand of 12.4%, although load factors fell slightly to 84.3%, as capacity expansion slightly outpaced passenger growth.

Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, highlighted the benefits and challenges presented by this increase in global travel demand.

He stressed that each flight contributes significantly to economic growth by generating jobs and increasing trade, although he warned of a potential “capacity crisis” that could limit these gains unless air travel requirements are met. infrastructure is met.

Walsh stressed the need for governments to ensure sufficient infrastructure, especially in airports and air traffic management, to support growth within the aviation industry.

IATA data highlights African airlines’ competitive gains, with strong passenger demand growth and improved seat occupancy, leaving the continent well-positioned within the broader recovery of the global aviation landscape.