IATA forecasts 3.3 billion air travellers by 2014

IATA forecasts (14-Feb-2011) there will be 3.3 billion air travellers by 2014, up by 800 million from the 2.5 billion in 2009. China will be the biggest contributor of new travellers. The US will remain the largest single-country market for domestic passengers and international passengers. Details include:

• 2014 forecast:
  • International passengers: 1.3 billion;
  • Top 10 markets:
    • US: 214.5 million;
    • UK: 198.1 million;
    • Germany: 163 million;
    • Spain: 123.3 million;
    • France: 111 million;
    • Italy: 85 million;
    • UAE: 82.3 million;
    • China: 82.1 million;
    • Japan: 71.6 million;
    • Hong Kong: 62.2 million.
  • Domestic passengers: 2 billion;
  • Top five markets:
    • US: 671 million;
    • China: 379 million;
    • Japan: 102 million;
    • Brazil: 90 million;
    • India: 69 million;
  • International cargo volume: 38.2 million tonnes;
  • Top five markets:
    • US: 8.8 million tonnes;
    • Hong Kong: 5.4 million tonnes;
    • Germany: 4.4 million tonnes;
    • Japan: 4.4 million tonnes;
    • China: 3.8 million tonnes. [more] [more - speech]

IATA: "The shadow of the global economic recession is expected to remain over parts of the industry for some time to come. Sluggish growth rates in Europe and North America are not only the result of being mature markets. Lingering consumer debts, high unemployment and austerity measures will dampen growth rates," Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO. Source: IATA, 14-Feb-2011.