IATA air transport market analysis

Air travel and freight markets strengthened further in February, taking passenger kilometers flown (RPKs) to a level 9.5% higher than a year ago, and freight tonne kilometers flown (FTKs) to a level 26.5% higher. These are impressive upturns – and stronger than previously expected – but they are comparisons with virtually the lowest point in the travel and freight cycle at this time last year. Compared with market levels in early 2008, the previous high point, air travel volumes are still 1.4% below and air freight volumes are still 3% below. At the current pace of upturn it will be 2-3 months before travel and freight markets recover early 2008 levels. So more than two years of growth has been lost in the recession.