IATA: global air traffic now at 88 per cent of 2019 levels

The world is slowly crawling back to what it was before the coronavirus pandemic. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air traffic is now at 88 percent of 2019’s levels. This encouraging statistic serves as proof that the process of getting back to normal has finally begun.

1. Skies Brighten for Air Travelers as IATA Reports 88% Recovery

Recovery for airlines has been a long time coming, but the wait is finally over. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently reported an impressive 88% recovery rate from 2019 levels in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), an impressive benchmark for the industry.

Aviation has been one of the industries hardest hit by the pandemic, with travelers across the globe afraid to fly or deciding to wait out the ever-changing restrictions. From cancelled flights to masks and face shields, 2020 definitely offered its own set of travel obstacles.

• The good news is that something seems to have finally clicked: disruptions resulting from the pandemic appear to be loosening, creating a much brighter future for air travelers.
• In fact, domestic flights have done particularly well: RPKs were up a staggering 117% compared to 2020.
• International flights have flourished as well: with RPKs only falling 9.2% from the same period a year prior.

All in all, these positive figures point to a strong rebound. The world will hopefully continue on the trend of leaving 2020 behind, and we can expect that travel restrictions and a general feeling of caution will continue to ease in 2021.

2. IATA Offers Hopeful Outlook for the Future of Air Travel

Air travel has become a mirror of the world’s inner state. With the recent upsurge of the pandemic, air travel has been paralyzed at many levels. However, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has delivered some much-needed hope for a potential future for the sector.

The IATA has projected a full rebounding of the travel industry in 2024. It suggests that 2021 will still be a rocky year with only a 10% recovery in the demand for air travel. But the outlook is positive and brighter. Some of the other forecasts they have prepared include:

• Passenger numbers to hit 4.8 billion by 2024, shrugging off the 3.1 billion registered this year.
• The global air transport industry to generate $US824 billion in total revenues, compared to the $US459 billion seen this year.
• Aviation’s share of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to reach 4.2%, up from 2.8% in 2020.

These are commendable predictions given the uncertain times and the high degree of volatility we are facing at the moment. With necessary steps taken to ensure the safety of air travellers, there’s potential for the sector to bounce back and enter a period of growth in the near future.

3. Progress for Airline Industry Despite the Ongoing Pandemic

Despite the unprecedented disruption the airline industry is currently facing due to the ongoing pandemic, there have been some advancements. With governments around the world investing in the technology and safety procedures, there are some silver linings in the cloud of turbulence.

For instance, many airlines have been working towards enhancing their digital capabilities to improve the customer experience. Customisable check-ins, contactless payments, automated border control, immediate feedback and many other features have been introduced. In addition, travel restrictions have been eased to enable passengers to operate smarter and safer.

• Pre-flight health screenings
• Sanitization measures online and onboard
• Implanted contact tracing technology
• Air travel bubbles with international alliance partners

These advancements have allowed passengers to travel with greater peace of mind, even in these challenging times. With rigorous safety protocols in place, the airline industry will continue to strive in an effort to make travel safe, convenient and enjoyable once again.

4. How IATA’s Support of the Aviation Sector Can Lead to Even Greater Recovery

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides essential stability and guidance in an otherwise turbulent aviation sector, helping to ensure operational continuity and safeguard the industry’s future. IATA’s support has already proven to be instrumental in assisting airlines throughout the full scope of the COVID-19 crisis, and if strengthened, could pave the way for an even greater recovery.

The immediate impact of IATA’s efforts has focused on developing health safety protocols for air travelers globally. These protocols include the IATA Health Pass and standardized preflight testing protocols which will reduce the risk of transmission and promote a safe flight environment. By adhering to the highest standards of safety, travel confidence will increase and open up new avenues of potential development.

In addition, IATA has already put plans in place to address the long-term recovery. Their new Global Passenger Outcome (GPO) initiative will allow airlines to become financially self-sustaining without having to dramatically reduce costs and services. GPO also recognizes the needs of passengers who, although faced with some lingering uncertainty, are eager to get back to safe and affordable travel.

Finally, IATA’s advocacy for regulatory reform and updating of paper-based processes should be seen as an opportunity to not just return the industry to its pre-crisis level, but to make actual progress in years to come. This could see the industry become more agile and cost-competitive while still maintaining a commitment to sustainability and customer service.

Recognising IATA’s potential, airlines should now focus on capitalizing on the opportunities IATA support offers, such as:

• Staying abreast of the secure and innovative health protocols IATA has designed.
• Fostering the introduction of international standardization of preflight protocols.
• Adopting the practices recommended by the Global Passenger Outcome.
• Supporting IATA’s efforts to advocate for meaningful regulatory reform with the aim of improving passenger experience.

These efforts will result in an aviation sector that is not only resilient and adaptive, but one that is characterized by improved efficiencies and lower costs. With a sense of greater solidarity and momentum within the global aviation industry, IATA’s efforts have the potential to lead the industry to unprecedented heights.

The world of air travel has seen immense disruption since the coronavirus pandemic began, with the aviation industry taking a hit. However, the news that global air traffic levels have recovered to 88 per cent of 2019’s figures gives us some hope and optimism that we can look forward to even better results in the future. Our skies may be a little emptier than usual, but the industry is soaring with renewed aspirations all the same.