More Data Needed to Understand Contrails, their Climate Effect & Develop Mitigation

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for urgent action to deepen the understanding on the formation and climate impact of aviation contrails to develop effective mitigation measures. The newly released IATA report Aviation Contrails Climate Effect: Tackling Uncertainties & Enabling Solutions (pdf) calls for a strengthening of collaboration between research and technological innovation, coupled with policy […]

Air Cargo Posts Fourth Month of Double-Digit Growth in March

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for March 2024 global air cargo markets showing continuing strong annual growth in demand. Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), rose by 10.3% compared to March 2023 levels (11.4% for international operations). This is the fourth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth. Capacity, measured in available […]

IATA Ground Handling Conference 2024 to Focus on Sustainability

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 36th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) will focus on integrating more sustainable practices into all aspects of ground handling operations. Icelandair will host IGHC in Reykjavík, Iceland, from 7-9 May 2024, with discussions focusing on achieving the industry’s net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 goal, talent retention and development, […]

New Report on Single Use Plastics Products Focuses on Mitigation Strategies

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released the Reassessing Single Use Plastics Products in the Airline Sector report  to assist airlines, regulators, and the airline supply chain to mitigate the environmental impacts of single use plastic products (SUPP). This publication is timely as the United National Environmental Program (UNEP) has convened an intergovernmental negotiating committee (INC) to develop […]

Passenger Demand Up 21.5% in February

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for February 2024 global passenger demand with the following highlights: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 21.5% compared to February 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 18.7% year-on-year. The February load factor was 80.6% (+1.9ppt compared to February […]

IATA Announces First Signatories to Air Cargo Digitalization Leadership Charter

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the launch of the IATA Digitalization Leadership Charter at the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong. Cathay Cargo, CHAMP Cargosystems, Global Logistics System (HK) Company Limited, IAG Cargo, IBS Software, LATAM Cargo, and Lufthansa Cargo are the inaugural signatories of the charter. The Digitalization Leadership Charter aims […]

Passenger Demand Up 16.6% in January

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for January 2024 global passenger demand indicating a strong start for the year. Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 16.6%; total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 14.1%; and the load factor was 79.9% (+1.7pt) International demand rose 20.8%; capacity was up […]

Air Cargo Demand up 18.4% in January

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for January 2024 global air cargo markets indicating a strong start to 2024. Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), increased by 18.4% compared to January 2023 levels (19.8% for international operations). This significant upturn marks the highest annual growth in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs) since the summer […]

Digitalization, Sustainability, and Safety & Security at Top of WCS Agenda

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the agenda for the IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS) which will feature specialized tracks on Digitalization, Sustainability and Safety & Security. WCS is taking place in Hong Kong (SAR), China from 12 – 14 March 2024. «Air cargo is an unsung hero of the global economy. In normal times, it […]

Global Air Travel Demand Continued Its Bounce Back in 2023

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the recovery in air travel continued in December 2023 and total 2023 traffic edged even closer to matching pre-pandemic demand. Total traffic in 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 36.9% compared to 2022. Globally, full year 2023 traffic was at 94.1% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. […]