African carriers gain momentum in global air traffic with remarkable 38.7% surge in 2023
The global travel industry rebound indicates that African carriers outpaced Latin, North American, and European airlines, marking a robust recovery, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The overall capacity for the year increased by 38.3 percent, reaching a load factor of 71.9 percent, albeit the lowest among regions.
Asia-Pacific airlines maintained the highest year-over-year growth rate, and despite political and economic challenges, 2023 witnessed air cargo markets regaining ground lost in 2022 post the extraordinary COVID-19 peak in 2021.
While demand fell short of pre-Covid levels by 3.6 percent, the last quarter showcased a substantial strengthening, indicating a return to more normal demand patterns.
Mr. Willie Walsh, IATA Director-General, expressed optimism about the industry’s solid ground for success in 2024.
He, however, cautioned against complacency, citing continued geopolitical and economic instability.
“Despite political and economic challenges, 2023 saw air cargo markets regain ground lost in 2022 after the extraordinary Covid peak in 2021.
“Although full-year demand was shy of pre-Covid levels by 3.6 percent, the significant strengthening in the past quarter is a sign that markets are stabilising towards more normal demand patterns.
“That puts the industry on a very solid ground for success in 2024. But, with continued (and in some cases intensifying) instability in geopolitics and economic forces, little should be taken for granted in the months ahead,” said Walsh.
African airlines, facing poor road networks and limited railways, recorded a 9.5 percent rise in traffic in December 2023, highlighting air transport’s practicality for cargo in the region.
Within the global logistics sector, air transport has emerged as one of the most sought-after and versatile options.
European airlines achieved a 22 percent increase in full-year traffic, while Middle Eastern carriers experienced a 33.3 percent growth.
Asia-Pacific airlines led the global growth with a staggering 126.1 percent year-on-year increase, accompanied by a 101.8 percent rise in capacity.
North American carriers reported a 28.3 percent annual traffic rise, and Latin American airlines posted a 28.6 percent increase, contributing to a dynamic and evolving global air travel landscape.
Despite these positive trends, Africa contributes only 2.1 percent to the total passenger traffic market shares by region, trailing behind Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Latin America.
