Global Air Passenger Traffic Soared in 2017

Despite a rise in the number of planes and seats in service, a new study from an airline trade group revealed global passenger traffic increased in 2017.

According to the International Air Transport Association, airlines across the world reported demand rose 7.6 percent over the previous year, which is well above the 10-year average annual growth rate of 5.5 percent.

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The capacity for 2017 increased 6.3 percent and load factor climbed 0.9 percent to a record calendar-year high of 81.4 percent. In North America alone, airline traffic rose 4.8 percent, capacity climbed 4.5 percent and the load factor jumped to 81.7 percent.

“2017 got off to a very strong start and largely stayed that way throughout the year, sustained by a broad-based pick-up in economic conditions,” IATA's Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said in a statement. “While the underlying economic outlook remains supportive in 2018, rising cost inputs, most notably fuel, suggest we are unlikely to see the same degree of demand stimulation from lower fares that occurred in the first part of 2017.”

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In addition to the North American growth, passenger numbers also grew in other regions, including Asia-Pacific (9.4 percent), Latin America (9.3 percent), Europe (8.2 percent), Africa (7.5 percent) and the Middle East (6.6 percent).

“Last year, more than four billion passengers used aviation to reunite with friends and loved ones, to explore new worlds, to do business, and to take advantage of opportunities to improve themselves. The connectivity provided by aviation enables goods to get to markets, and aid to be delivered to those in need,” de Juniac continued. “Aviation truly is the business of freedom, liberating us from the restraints of geography to lead better lives. Aviation can do even more in 2018, supported by governments that recognize and support our activities with smarter regulation, fairer taxation, cost-efficient infrastructure and borders that are open to people and trade.”