The new year started strong as international and domestic passenger demand saw a healthy increase, according to The International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Global passenger traffic results for January 2019 showed traffic (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 6.5% compared to January 2018, the fastest growth in six months. 

The Asia Pacific region saw the highest jump in RPK, an 8.5% increase in January 2019 over the previous year, while North America also performed well with a 5.2% rise.

January capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) rose 6.4%, and load factor (the percentage of ASKs used) inched up 0.1% to 79.6%.

However, IATA’s Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac cautioned that “market signals are mixed, with indications of weakening business confidence in developed economies and a more nuanced picture across the developing world.”

International passenger demand rose 6% in January compared to the same month last year, with all regions recording growth in international passenger markets. Capacity increased 5.8% and load factor climbed 0.2% to 79.8%.

North American airlines experienced a 4.7% traffic rise over a year ago, while capacity climbed 3.5% and load factor increased 1% to 80.6%. Demand is being supported by comparatively strong economic conditions which have delivered a low unemployment rate and bolstered consumer spending, notes IATA.

On the domestic side, traffic climbed 7.3% in January and capacity increased 7.5% and load factor slipped 0.1% to 79.3%.

Anna Kroupina Journalist

Anna is OJ's newest member and she joins the team as a writer/reporter. She co-writes the daily news and covers events. Although she's new to the industry, pursuing a career path in travel/tourism has been a goal since her first family road trip to the Florida Keys sparked a desire to discover the world and this exhilarating, fast-paced industry.