Efficiency peaks as global air passengers increase by +6.9% in 2018, reports IATA

INTERNATIONAL. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its World Air Transport Statistics for 2018 showing that 4.4 billion passengers flew in the year – an increase of +6.9% over 2017. This represents an additional 284 million trips by air.

Record efficiency was achieved with 81.9% of available seats being filled; and fuel efficiency improved by more than +12% compared to 2010.

The figures also revealed that 22,000 city pairs are now connected by direct flights, up 1,300 over 2017 and double the 10,250 city pairs connected in 1998.

Emirates was the only non-US carrier to feature in the top five airlines in terms of scheduled passenger kilometres travelled during 2018

The number one international airport pair was once again Hong Hong International-Taipei Taoyuan International, with 5.4 million air passengers travelling the route in 2018. Meanwhile, by far the leading domestic passenger airport pair was Jeju international-Seoul Gimpo International, with 14.5 million people making the air journey.

The report also highlighted that the real cost of air transport has more than halved over the last 20 years to around 78 US cents per revenue tonne-kilometre.

The development of the low cost carrier (LCC) segment continues to outpace that of network carriers. Measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), LCC capacity grew by +13.4%, almost doubling the overall industry growth rate of +6.9%. LCCs accounted for 21% of global capacity in 2018, up from 11% in 2004. In terms of available seats, the global share of LCCs in 2018 was 29%. This is up from 16% in 2004.

Airlines in the Asia Pacific region continued to carry the largest number of passengers, with 37.1% market share, an increase of +9.2% compared to 2017. The other regions’ market shares were Europe 26.2%; North America 22.6%; Latin America 6.9%; Middle East 5.1%; and Africa 2.1%.

IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac highlighted the need for government support to help airlines meet ambitious climate change targets

Among carriers, American Airlines flew the most scheduled passenger kilometres last year with 330.6 billion, marginally ahead of US rivals Delta Air Lines (330 billion) and United Airlines (329.6 billion). The top five was completed by Emirates (302.3 billion) and Southwest Airlines (214.6 billion).

The list of top nationalities travelling international routes in 2018 was headed by the UK (126.2 million, or 8.6% of all passengers), ahead of the US (111.5 million/7.6%) and China (97 million/6.6%).

IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said: “Airlines are connecting more people and places than ever before. The freedom to fly is more accessible than ever. And our world is a more prosperous place as a result.

“As with any human activity this comes with an environmental cost that airlines are committed to reducing. We understand that sustainability is essential to our license to spread aviation’s benefits. From 2020 we will cap net carbon emissions growth.”

He added: “And, by 2050, we will cut our net carbon footprint to half 2005 levels. This ambitious climate action goal needs government support. It is critical for sustainable aviation fuels, new technology and more efficient routes to deliver the greener future we are aiming for.”

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