The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says its data of global passenger demand for indicates a strong start for the year. Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 16.6% compared to the year previous, while total capacity was up 14.1%; and the load factor was 79.9% (+1.7%).

A breakdown of the data showed that International demand rose 20.8%; capacity was up 20.9% and the load factor remained at 79.7%.

Meawhile, domestic demand rose 10.4%; capacity was up 4.6% and the load factor was 80.2% (+4.2%).

In North America, carriers had a 12.3% traffic rise in January 2024 versus the 2023 period. Capacity also increased 13.7%, and load factor fell 1.0 percentage point to 79.4%.

“2024 is off to a strong start despite economic and geopolitical uncertainties,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “As governments look to build prosperity in their economies in the busiest election-year ever, it is critical that they see aviation as a catalyst for growth. Increased taxes and onerous regulation are a counterweight to prosperity. We will be looking to governments for policies that help aviation to reduce costs, improve efficiency and make progress towards net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.”