Market Intelligence: Europe

IATA: Passenger Demand Up 21.5% in February 2024 Compared to February 2023

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 2023).

International demand rose 26.3% compared to February 2023; capacity was up 25.5% year-on-year and the load factor improved to 79.3% (+0.5ppt on February 2023).

Domestic demand rose 15.0% compared to February 2023; capacity was up 9.4% year-on-year and the load factor was 82.6% (+4.0ppt compared to February 2023).

Note that February 2024 was a leap year with one extra day compared to February 2023. This slightly exaggerates growth in both demand and capacity to the positive.

“The strong start to 2024 continued in February with all markets except North America reporting double-digit growth in passenger traffic. There is good reason to be optimistic about the industry’s prospects in 2024 as airlines accelerate investments in decarbonization and passenger demand shows resilience in the face of geopolitical and economic uncertainties.  It is critical that politicians resist the temptation of cash grabs with new taxes that could destabilize this positive trajectory and make travel more expensive. In particular, Europe is a worry as it seems determined to lock in its sluggish economic recovery with uncompetitive tax proposals,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

International Passenger Markets

All regions showed double digit growth for international passenger markets in February 2024 compared to February 2023. For the first time, demand for international services exceeded pre-pandemic levels (+0.9% compared to February 2023). This, however, is skewed by February 2024 being a leap-year with an extra day compared to February 2023.

Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 53.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 52.1% year-on-year and the load factor rose to 84.9% (+0.6ppt compared to February 2023), the highest among all regions.

European carriers’ saw a 15.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 16.0% year-on-year, and the load factor was 74.7% (flat compared to February 2023).

Middle Eastern airlines saw a 19.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 19.1% year-on-year and the load factor rose to 80.8% (+0.4ppt compared to February 2023).

North American carriers saw a 16.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 17.6% year-on-year, and the load factor fell to 77.7% (-1.1ppt compared to February 2023).

Latin American airlines’ saw a 21.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 18.6% year-on-year. The load factor rose to 84.2% (+1.7ppt compared to February 2023).

African airlines’ saw a 20.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 22.1% year-on-year. The load factor fell to 74.0% (-0.8ppt compared to February 2023).

Source: International Air Transport Association
Photo Credit: International Air Transport Association

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Global Pilot Training Group, BAA Training, Shares Findings on Aspiring Pilot Search Behavior in Europe

Global pilot training group BAA Training analyzed the search behavior of aspiring pilots on Google across 27 European countries plus the United Kingdom to determine where there is a higher inclination to seek information related to pilot training.

Summary of Findings

  • Individuals in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Poland search for pilot training-related content on Google more often than individuals in other countries.
  • The highest number of average monthly searches on Google was recorded in the UK – 23730, and the lowest was recorded in Latvia – 160.
  • When countries’ population sizes are considered when making calculations, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, and the UK are the top countries demonstrating interest in pilot training.
  • Although interest in pilot training per capita ranks highest in Croatia, Denmark, and Finland, these countries have only 10, 28, and 14 ATOs, respectively. In contrast, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain have over 100 each, with the UK having the highest number at 229.
  • Over the last three months, there have been considerable jumps in searches for pilot training-related information in various EU countries, especially noticeable in the Czech Republic, Belgium, and Slovakia.
  • A positive correlation between interest in pilot training per capita and GDP per capita has been observed in some countries, such as Austria, the Netherlands, Hungary, Latvia, and Bulgaria, among others. Croatia and the UK, on the other hand, are ideal examples of a negative correlation.

To gain more insights into this research check out the BAA Training website.

Source: BAA Training
Photo Credit: BAA Training

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Airbus Announces Commercial Aircraft Orders and Deliveries for the Month of March 2024

In March 2024, European aircraft manufacturer Airbus:

  • Delivered 63 aircraft to 32 customers
    • 1 A220-100
    • 3 A220-300
    • 23 A320neo
    • 28 A321neo
    • 3 A330-900
    • 3 A350-900
    • 2 A350-1000
  • Secured 137 orders
    • 1 A319neo
    • 10 A320neo
    • 85 A321neo
    • 3 A330-900
    • 5 A350F
    • 6 A350-900
    • 27 A350-1000
  • Year to date Airbus has delivered 142 aircraft to 45 customers.

AFM Team Note – kindly contact us for a detailed excel breakdown of orders and deliveries by airline.

See last month’s order here.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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Pilot Training Ground School Materials Provider Padpilot Announces 2024 Appointment for CEO

United Kingdom based pilot training educational material publisher Padpilot is thrilled to announce the appointment of Nathan Gray as its new CEO. With an illustrious career spanning the British Armed Forces and extensive experience in aviation and education, Nathan is poised to lead Padpilot to new heights.

Nathan, one of the most decorated pilots in the British Armed Forces, joined Padpilot last year as Head of Learning and Development. His background as a commercial operator, UK STEM Ambassador, and holder of a degree in Aerospace Engineering underscores his deep understanding of the industry and passion for education.

Under Nathan’s leadership, Padpilot will continue its commitment to providing pioneering approaches to theoretical ground school training. With a focus on our ethos of learning for life, Nathan will ensure that Padpilot remains at the forefront of aviation education, creating solid foundations for student pilots.

Source: Padpilot
Photo Credit: Padpilot

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