Figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reveal full year 2011 passenger demand rose 5.9 per cent compared to 2010, in line with long-term growth trends.
In contrast, cargo markets contracted by 0.7 per cent for the year; but recorded positive demand growth in December of 0.2 per cent.
Growth in demand lagged capacity increases at 6.3 per cent (passenger) and 4.1 per cent (cargo) putting downward pressure on load factors.
The average passenger load factor for 2011 was 78.1 per cent, down from 78.3 per cent in 2010, while the freight load factor was just 45.9 per cent, down from 48.1 per cent in 2010.
“Given the weak conditions in Western economies the passenger market held up well in 2011. But overall 2011 was a year of contrasts,” IATA director general Tony Tyler.
“Healthy passenger growth, primarily in the first half of the year, was offset by a declining cargo market.
“Optimism in China contrasted with gloom in Europe. Ironically, the weak euro supported business travel demand.
“But Europe’s primarily tax and restrict approach to aviation policy left the continent’s carriers with the weakest profitability among the industry’s major regions.
“Cautious improving business confidence is good news. But 2012 is still going to be a tough year,” he added.
December 2011
Passenger demand for December rose 5.4 per cent compared to the same month in 2010.
But the trend since mid-year has clearly slowed, as travel markets react with a lag to the declines in confidence that weakened cargo in the second half of 2011.
Comparisons with December 2010 are also distorted as severe winter weather in Europe and North America as well as strikes in Europe suppressed demand.
December 2011 passenger demand was up just 0.7 per cent over November while the load factor declined 0.2 percentage points.
Freight capacity climbed 4.4 per cent in December compared to December 2010.
The freight load factor was just 46.1 per cent for the month.
