RIYADH: Airlines operating in the Middle East saw a 9.6 percent increase in passenger demand in June compared to the same period in 2023, driven by the summer holiday season. , according to one company.
The International Air Transport Association announced that total Middle East flight capacity rose 9.4 percent year-on-year in June.
IATA said the total load capacity among the region's carriers rose to 79.7 percent in June, representing a slight increase of 0.1 percent compared to the same month as the previous year.
Load is a metric used in the aviation industry that measures the percentage of available seating that is filled with passengers. Overload factors mean the airline has sold most of its available seats.
Strengthening the aviation sector is important for Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, as the country aims to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenues.
The national aviation strategy of the Kingdom aims to triple the number of passengers by 2030 compared to 2019. It also hopes to carry 4.5 million tons of cargo and establish a direct position 250 from the airport in Saudi Arabia.
In May, the Civil Aviation Authority announced that the aviation sector would contribute $21 billion to the country's GDP by 2023.
According to the report, carriers in the Middle East region handled 9.4 percent of the world's passengers in June, a figure unchanged from May.
IATA also noted that global demand growth increased by 9.1 percent in June compared to the same period in 2023.
“Demand increased across all regions as the northern holiday season kicked off in June. And with the increased capacity to meet the demand, we have seen a strong average of 85 percent in domestic and international work,” said Willie Walsh, CEO. of IATA.
He added: “It's both good and difficult to work with such a high load factor. It is even more important for all stakeholders to work with equal skill to minimize delays and get passengers to their destinations on time. ”
The study also said that demand for international travel rose by 12.3 percent year-on-year, while total capacity increased by 12.7 percent during the same period.
IATA noted that domestic demand increased 4.3 percent year-on-year in June.
The Asia Pacific region leads from the front
According to the industry group, flights operating in the Asia Pacific region posted strong growth in June, with passenger demand up 22.6 percent year-on-year.
Airline capacity in the APAC region rose 22.9 percent year-on-year in June, making the Africa-Asia route the fastest-growing regional pair, up 38.1 percent during this period.
Flights operating in APAC handled 31.7 percent of the world's passengers in June, a figure unchanged from the previous month.
European airlines handled 27.1 percent of total passengers in June, followed by North America at 24.2 percent.
“As the Paris Olympics loom, there is pride throughout the aviation industry in continuing its role in supporting Olympic history by bringing together athletes, fans and many stakeholders. It's a great reminder of how aviation has transformed our great world into a global community,” Walsh said.
African air carriers witnessed annual passenger demand growth of 16.9 percent in June, while capacity increased by 5.8 percent.
Airlines from the Latin American region witnessed a 15.3 percent increase in passenger demand in June compared to the same period in previous year. The total number of these flights increased by 15.6 percent in the same month.
However, the load on Latin American airlines decreased by 0.2 percentage points to 85.1 percent.
The European carrier saw a 9.1 percent year-on-year increase in demand in June, while capacity grew 9.8 percent for the year.
North American carriers witnessed a 6.6 percent year-over-year increase in passenger demand in June. The total capacity of these flights increased by 8.6 percent, while the load increased by 88.7 percent, the highest in all regions.
IATA also noted that it expects an increase in passenger growth in the future worldwide.
“Overall, demand for international travel is strong and shows promise for the future,” the industry firm said.
Demand for goods is rising
On June 30, the organization released another report, saying that the global air cargo market saw a 14.1 percent increase in total demand, measured in cargo kilometers. tons, compared to last year. This is the seventh consecutive month of double year-over-year growth.
According to the study, this increase in the demand for air cargo was due to the narrowness of the sea vessels.
“Demand for air cargo increased in June. Strong growth across all regions and major channels combined for first-half performance in CTK terms. Ocean shipping constraints and a booming e-commerce sector are among the strongest killers,” Walsh said.
He added: “The sector remains vulnerable to ongoing political and economic challenges and the US customs crackdown on e-commerce shipments from China. on solid ground to continue its strong performance in the second half of 2024.”
The report revealed that the increase in demand for air cargo in the first half of this year increased by 13.4 percent compared to the first six months of 2023.
Capacity, measured in freight kilometers, rose 8.8 percent year-on-year in June.
According to IATA, Middle East carriers saw a 13.8 percent year-on-year increase in air cargo in June, while capacity rose 6.9 percent over the same period. it's time.
Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 17 percent increase in demand in June, the strongest expansion of any region. Air carrier capacity in the region also increased by 10.7 percent during the same period.
“Latin American carriers saw a 13.1 percent year-over-year increase in air cargo in June. Capacity increased 15.5 percent year-over-year. Notably, Latin America posted the second highest increase in international demand growth at 17.2 percent in June,” said IATA.
Demand for North American air cargo carriers rose 9.5 percent in June, the weakest of any region. The report revealed that the capacity of these airlines rose by 6 percent year-on-year.
The industry body highlighted that airlines in the Asia Pacific region handled 33 percent of global air cargo, followed by North America at 26.9 percent. hundred and Europe at 21.4 percent.
Airlines in the Middle East carried 13.5 percent of total cargo, while airlines in Latin America and Africa accounted for 2.8 percent and 2 percent of the total, respectively.
