Air Passenger Market Analysis - Sept 2013

A summary of the key points from the International Air Transport Association IATA Air Passenger Market Analysis in September 2013. Released by IATA October 31st, 2013

• Air travel markets expanded at a solid rate in September, up 5.5% on a year ago;
• This is a slight slowdown on August (6.9%), but above growth year-to-date (5.0%);
• Air travel growth has been strong over recent months, supported by an improved demand environment;
• On international markets, Asia Pacific saw a strong rise (up 8.5%), with China's economy picking up in Q3;
• On domestic markets, Russia's market rose 12.1%, despite indications of an economic slowdown;
• By contrast, air travel in Brazil rose just 1.0%, reflecting capacity reductions and sluggish domestic demand;
• Globally, load factors are in line with a year ago, but slipped slightly over the month on a rise in capacity;
• Looking forward, business confidence is rising slowly and export orders suggest a pickup in trade ahead;
• Moreover, performance of key emerging markets like China appears to be improving;
• These developments suggest there could be further acceleration in air travel growth before year-end.

The full report may be downloaded or viewed on the IATA website.