IATA hails growth statistics

More than 4bn passengers took to the air in 2018 as global air connectivity continues to become more accessible and more efficient, according to figures just released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Its World Air Transport Statistics report for last year confirms 4.4bn passengers flew in 2018 and record efficiency was achieved with 81.9% of available seats being filled.

Fuel efficiency improved by more than 12% and 22,000 city pairs are now connected by direct flights, double the number for 1998. In addition, the real cost of air transport has more than halved over the past 20 years, IATA reported.

Director-general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said: “Airlines are connecting more people and places than ever before. The freedom to fly is more accessible than ever, and our world is a more prosperous place as a result.”

However, he added, “as with any human activity, this comes with an environmental cost that airlines are committed to reducing. From 2020, we will cap net carbon emissions growth and by 2050 we will cut our net carbon footprint to half 2005 levels.”

DeJuniac noted this “ambitious” climate action goal needed government support and it was critical for sustainable aviation fuels, new technology and more efficient routes to deliver the greener future the industry was aiming for.

www.iata.org

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