IATA reports mixed load factor performance in 2016, although global average continues upward

IATA reported (17-Feb-2017) industry passenger load factor averaged 80.5% over 2016. The upwards trend continued through 2016, despite a pause early in the year. 2016 was the fifth consecutive year of growth in the annual passenger load factor. There was "significant divergence at the regional level":

• North American airlines had the highest average load factor at 83.5%;
• Asia Pacific, Latin America and Europe all set record highs in 2016;
• Middle East airlines' average load factor fell to 74.7%, its lowest level since 2010. [more - original PR]