Geneva: Total air passenger demand around the globe rose by 4.6% in August compared to the previous year, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced on Tuesday. Total air capacity, measured in available seat kilometers, saw a 4.5% expansion during the same period. The load factor reached 86% in August, marking a 0.1 percentage point increase from the same month last year and setting a record high for August.

According to Anadolu Agency, international passenger demand experienced a 6.6% rise in August, while domestic demand grew by 1.5% year-on-year. IATA's Director General, Willie Walsh, commented on the data, stating, "Despite economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the global growth trend shows no signs of abating, as October schedules are showing airlines planning 3.4% more capacity." He highlighted the efforts of airlines to meet travel demand through maximizing efficiency and stressed the importance of resolving supply chain challenges in the aerospace manufacturing sector.

In a separate press release, IATA reported a 4.1% year-on-year increase in total air cargo demand for August, marking the sixth consecutive month of growth. Air cargo capacity, measured in available cargo ton-kilometers, expanded by 3.7%. Walsh noted the continued growth in cargo volumes amidst changing global trade patterns, indicating that air cargo has benefited from a shift from sea transport for some high-value goods as shippers seek to mitigate tariff change risks. He added that growth patterns suggest some cargo is being diverted away from North America, leading to stronger growth in the Europe-Asia, Within Asia, Africa-Asia, and Middle East-Asia trade lanes.