Intl Transport – International World Of Business

CBP partners with the Alliance for Gray Market and Counterfeit Abatement to enhance intellectual property inspections at CBP ports of entry

wpdesigns — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:39:50 +0000

WASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection is pleased to announce a formal partnership with the Alliance for Gray Market and Counterfeit Abatement, under the Donations Acceptance Program. Through this partnership, AGMA will donate cutting-edge “OneDevice” smartphones to support Intellectual Property Rights inspections at ports of entry nationwide. Provided by AGMA at no cost to the government, this donation will assist CBP officers in efficiently and accurately authenticating the products of AGMA members entering the U.S.

AGMA is a nonprofit coalition of leading technology companies, distributors, and service providers, incorporated in 2001 by leading technology companies. AGMA is a unique alliance of intellectual property rights holders who recognize that IP protection is a fundamental element of innovation and economic growth.

“This partnership with AGMA exemplifies CBP’s commitment to leveraging innovative technology and collaborative efforts to protect American consumers and businesses from counterfeit goods,” said Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations Diane J. Sabatino. “By equipping our officers with advanced tools and resources, we are enhancing our ability to ensure the authenticity of products entering the United States while safeguarding the integrity of our supply chains and protecting the innovation economy.”

In addition to the “OneDevice” smartphones, AGMA is donating data plans, licenses, training materials, and customer support. AGMA’s donation underscores its commitment to combating trade in counterfeit goods while supporting CBP’s enforcement efforts. By leveraging advanced technology and collaborative partnerships, CBP continues to strengthen its ability to safeguard the U.S. economy and public safety.

“As a coalition of the world’s leading technology companies, AGMA is committed to protecting consumers and safeguarding global commerce,” said Sally Nguyen, president of AGMA. “We are proud to partner with CBP through this program and to provide technology that supports officers in their critical mission to identify counterfeit goods before they enter the United States.”

Public-private partnerships are a key component of CBP’s Resource Optimization Strategy and allow CBP to provide new or expanded services and infrastructure at domestic ports of entry. For more information, visit www.CBP.gov/DAP.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America’s frontline: the nation’s largest law enforcement organization and the world’s first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country’s economic prosperity. We enhance the nation’s security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.

CBP reminds travelers of Sukkot travel guidance

wpdesigns — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:37:47 +0000

WASHINGTON — As the estimated travel period for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot approaches, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reminds travelers to use vigilance when crossing the nation’s ports of entry.

Beginning after sundown Oct. 6, until after nightfall Oct. 13, travelers observing Sukkot may carry religious items that are normally regulated to prevent the introduction of invasive pests and diseases. These items, including ethrogs, palm fronds (lulav), twigs of willow (aravah) and myrtle (hadassim), might be allowed into the United States after inspection by CBP agriculture specialists.

The following guidance is provided for travelers:

Ethrogs: Travelers can bring ethrogs into the U.S. through specific ports in the North Atlantic or Northern Pacific regions. The ethrog will need to be unwrapped so a CBP agriculture specialist can inspect it and will not be allowed in if they find pests or insect damage.
Palm Fronds: Single palm fronds will be inspected by CBP agriculture specialists and released if they find no pests or symptoms of disease.
Twigs of Willow: European twigs of willow are prohibited from entering the United States, but if they come from other locations, they will be inspected by CBP agriculture specialists and released if no pests or symptoms of disease, such as being green in color, having soft tissue, or sprouted buds are found.
Twigs of Myrtle: Twigs of myrtle will be inspected by agriculture specialists and released if no pests or symptoms of disease are found.

CBP is committed to treating all travelers with respect and dignity at all U.S. ports of entry. More information on seasonal foods and plant items can be found here.

MIA’s Skytrain Station 1 reopens, restoring full Concourse D service ahead of Labor Day weekend

Press Room Team — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:47:19 +0000

Just in time for Labor Day weekend, Miami International Airport (MIA) has fully reopened its Concourse D Skytrain system with the return of Station 1 on August 25. With all four stations now back in service, travelers can once again enjoy fast, seamless connections across MIA’s busiest concourse, home to 60 gates and millions of travelers each year.

The Skytrain’s return is such great news for our airport, our passengers, and our community. Thanks to the tireless work of the MIA team, we have restored a world-class amenity that makes travel easier and faster for millions of people each year. I know the temporary closure wasn’t easy for travelers, and I thank everyone for their patience and understanding. This reopening is a milestone that reflects progress, resilience, and a brighter future for Miami’s global gateway, and proof that we are moving in the right direction.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

The reopening of Station 1 concludes a yearlong effort to reinforce and modernize the one-mile system after a 2023 inspection identified areas in need of strengthening. With Stations 2, 3, and 4 reopening earlier this year, the Skytrain is now operating at full capacity with enhanced safety, reliability, and efficiency — ensuring passengers can move comfortably between gates, shops, and services.

The Skytrain’s return is in addition to MIA’s ambitious Future-Ready Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan, a $9 billion capital improvement program that is transforming every corner of the airport. From the new 2,240-space Ibis garage opening in December, to the groundbreaking of the new Concourse K, and the modernization of more than 200 escalators, elevators, and moving walkways over the next five years, the MIA of tomorrow is taking shape today — delivering a world-class passenger experience, empowering the airport workforce, and fueling economic growth across Miami-Dade County and Florida.

Miami International Airport, America’s busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, is receiving an unprecedented investment of $9 billion in capital improvements and maintenance upgrades. MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport and is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $181 billion and approximately 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida annually.

To request materials in accessible format, Sign Language Interpreters, CART services and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) public meetings and events please email the ADA Office at ADAcoordinator@miami-airport.com or call the office in 305-876-7747 five days in advance to initiate your request. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).

Miami International Airport breaks ground on first-of-its-kind private terminal

Press Room Team — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:49:11 +0000

On July, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and PS, the first-of-its-kind private terminal for commercial travelers in the U.S., hosted a groundbreaking and rendering reveal ceremony for PS MIA, which is scheduled to open its doors at Miami International Airport in spring 2026.

PS MIA will restore and redesign the historic former Pan American Airways (Pan Am) headquarters at 4900 N.W. 36th Street into a private terminal that will include five private suites, two salons with dining options, a central outdoor courtyard, and a day spa with beauty treatments and massages. The Pan Am building has been a Miami-Dade County-designated Historic Site since 2014. PS MIA is dedicated to preserving the building’s iconic mid-century brutalist architecture and will seamlessly integrate finishes and furniture that reference important aspects of the period.

With the groundbreaking of PS MIA, we’re ushering in a new era of luxury travel at Miami International Airport—right here in the heart of Miami-Dade County. This first-of-its-kind private terminal in Florida not only enhances the world-class experience our airport offers but also breathes new life into a historic landmark that shaped aviation history. I’m proud to welcome PS to our community and applaud their commitment to honoring our past while designing for the future.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

The building’s iconic features, such as the Pan Am logos, gold paneling, and original reflecting pools, will be restored, while the design takes inspiration from Miami’s lively culture and Palm Beach glamour, incorporating terrazzo, marble, smoked glass, and luxurious patterns reminiscent of Lilly Pulitzer and Marimekko. PS MIA is a collaboration between RJ Heisenbottle Architects, experts in historical restoration, and renowned interior designer Cliff Fong, who led design at PS LAX.

Miami International Airport, America’s busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, is receiving an unprecedented investment of $9 billion in capital improvements and maintenance upgrades. MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport and is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $118 billion and approximately 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida annually.

To request materials in accessible format, Sign Language Interpreters, CART services, and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) public meetings and events, please email the ADA Office at ADAcoordinator@miami-airport.com or call the office at 305-876-7747 five days in advance to initiate your request. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).

Announces Britten-Norman CEO transition after two decades of leadership

Press Room Team — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:20:21 +0000

Britten-Norman, manufacturer of the world-renowned Islander series of aircraft, today announces that after more than 20 years of dedicated leadership, Chief Executive William Hynett OBE will be transitioning from his executive responsibilities to take up the role of Non-Executive Director on the company’s Board, focusing on business strategy.

This planned transition comes at a pivotal time for Britten-Norman, as the company embarks on a new phase of investment, innovation, and strategic development. The Board expresses its deep gratitude to William for his remarkable leadership, having steered the business through multiple industry cycles and playing a pivotal role in securing its legacy as a key part of the UK’s aerospace capability.

“William has been the driving force behind Britten-Norman’s continuing resilience and growth” comments Board Chair Alison Rankin Frost. “His deep knowledge of the business and commitment to UK sovereign manufacturing have shaped the company into what it is today. We are delighted that he will continue to provide strategic oversight and guidance as a Non-Executive Director, on the Board.”

Since joining Britten-Norman, Hynett has led the company through significant transformation — including major investment in infrastructure, manufacturing, and customer support — while staying true to the company’s heritage of producing the iconic Islander aircraft. Notably, he spearheaded the successful re-shoring of Islander production from Romania back to the UK, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sovereign manufacturing. Under his steadfast leadership, Britten-Norman has strengthened its global customer base and reaffirmed its strategic importance to British industry.

“It has been an honour to serve Britten-Norman over the past two decades,” says Hynett. “This business has always been more than just a company to me — it’s a part of my family’s legacy. It was my late father, Maurice Hynett, who first encouraged me to get involved, and I’ve carried that sense of personal commitment with me ever since. I am incredibly proud of what the team has achieved in safeguarding our heritage, supporting our customers, and investing in our future. With new capital backing and an exciting strategic roadmap, now is the right time to hand over day-to-day leadership. I look forward to supporting Britten-Norman and its next chapter from the Board.”

Under Hynett’s stewardship, the company recently secured substantial new investment aimed at expanding operations and advancing manufacturing capabilities at its Solent and Isle of Wight facilities.

His leadership has also been recognised at the national level with the award of an OBE, honouring his services within the aviation industry and his enduring commitment to the development of special mission aircraft.

Britten-Norman remains firmly focused on supporting its global operator base, delivering world-class aviation products and services, and advancing UK aerospace innovation.

About Britten-Norman:

Britten-Norman is the UK’s only sovereign commercial aircraft manufacturer and a global leader in sub-regional aviation. Best known for the Islander, a rugged, twin-engine STOL aircraft. The company has produced circa 1,300 aircraft to date, with 97% exported to commercial, government, and military operators worldwide. Operating as a UK-based SME, Britten-Norman offers in-house design, manufacturing, and through-life support from its south coast facilities. The company continues to invest in its UK production base, playing a strategic role in the domestic aerospace supply chain while supporting a global operator network in over 120 countries. With a strong track record in utility, special mission, and regional transport applications, Britten-Norman remains a leader in the sub-regional segment delivering proven aircraft backed by robust support infrastructure. For more information, visit www.britten-norman.com

About William Hynett:

William Hynett joined Britten-Norman in 2002, initially as Marketing Director, with a primary focus on foreign military opportunities. Since being appointed Chief Executive in March 2003, Hynett has led the company through a period of sustained growth and diversification and played an important role in helping the company to explore new markets across six continents. In 2023 he led the repatriation of the company’s manufacturing operations to the UK, after more than 50 years of outsourcing to Eastern Europe. An advocate of engineering apprenticeships, he helped pioneer a comprehensive training programme that has delivered highly sought after candidates into the aerospace sector. Prior to joining Britten-Norman, Hynett served in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm as a carrier-borne fighter pilot, serving in Bosnia, Iraq and Kosovo. He went on to lead the Sea Harrier Operational Evaluation Unit, specialising in trials of new equipment both at home and overseas. The experience gained in the military allowed Hynett to drive a pivot of Britten-Norman’s strategy towards the special mission sector, in which it is now a market leader in capability development. For his leadership in the company’s delivery of urgent operational requirements on behalf of the UK government, Hynett was awarded the OBE at Windsor Castle in 2011. A keen pilot, Hynett is qualified on both single and multi-engine fixed wing aircraft. He has flown a number of long-range deliveries of Islander aircraft as far as Alaska, the Falkland Islands and the South Pacific.

Ratify American Airlines Technical Operations, Fleet Service, Cargo and Central Load Planning team members a new agreement

Press Room Team — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 14:34:33 +0000

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines team members represented by the TWU-IAM Association today ratified a new, 27-month contract extension, bringing economic improvements, including meaningful increases in pay rates, to its more than 35,000 Technical Operations, Fleet Service, Cargo and Central Load Planning team members.

“With this new agreement, our TWU-IAM Association-represented team members join their colleagues who have all approved new agreements that underscore American’s commitment to ensuring our team is paid well and competitively,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “I’d like to thank both the Association and company negotiating teams for seeing the important win this contract extension is for our team and for working to reach a deal — one that ensures our team is paid among the best in the industry — so quickly.”

About American Airlines Group
As a leading global airline, American Airlines offers thousands of flights per day to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries. The airline is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. Learn more about what’s happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. To Care for People on Life’s Journey^®.

All New Ships Should Be Built To A Seawater-Lubricated Sterntubeless Ship Design, Says Leontopolous

Press Room Team — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 21:23:06 +0000

Future newbuild ships of all types should be built without a sterntube and with a seawater-lubricated propeller shaft bearing arrangement, according to Blue Ocean Alliance’s Chris Leontopoulos.

Speaking at a recent maritime industry forum in Hamburg, Mr. Leontopoulos said the sterntubeless ship design – jointly developed by Blue Ocean Alliance members ABS, Thordon Bearings, Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI), Wärtsilä, and the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) – is so commercially, operationally and environmentally attractive that “I personally hope that in the future all ships are built like this”.

Kick-starting his presentation with the startling statistic that more than eight million litres of sterntube lubricating oil is polluting the oceans annually, Mr. Leontopoulos, ABS’ Vice President, Technology, EMEA, said the design interventions proposed by the group can deliver a commercially and environmentally optimal vessel capable of saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in operational costs. This, without changing hull lines or existing class rules and regulations.

“We decided to remove the sterntube, and by shortening propeller shaft length and moving the prime mover further aft, we no longer needed a forward sterntube bearing. This places less friction on the shaft, resulting in lower power loss, improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. A sterntubeless ship also results in a bigger cargo space for the same vessel length,” he said.

Mr. Leontopoulos went on to say that the use of a seawater-lubricated bearing with a tapered key design – the principal component that makes the sterntubeless ship possible – also removes the need for an aft seal and a shaft coating system. The sterntubeless design features a seawater-lubricated bearing, a Wärtsilä forward shaft seal, a Water Quality Package and a bulkhead seal.

The technical differences were immediately obvious when a graphic was shown comparing a ship with and without a sterntube.

Essentially, the design presents a dry internal inspection chamber aft of the engine room, in the space normally given to the sterntube. This new space, big enough for engineers to stand up in to maintain or replace propeller shaft components while the ship is afloat, has been created by trimming stiffeners and cutting an opening into the bulkhead.

“This is a very a big advantage because you don’t have to drydock the ship and withdraw the shaft or propeller to monitor and maintain seawater-lubricated bearings and seals. We can now do this from inside the ship while the vessel is operational,” said Mr. Leontopoulos.

The sterntubeless ship, he said, also negates the need to realign the shaft throughout the vessel’s lifetime, mitigating the risk of shaft damage or indentation, which can result in substantial downtime and expenditure.

Going on to reveal the cost benefits of a sterntubeless ship, Mr. Leontopoulos acknowledged that although the estimated CAPEX for additional components could add about US$10,000 to $30,000 to the cost of a newbuild depending on shaft diameter, the ROI is quick given the reduced operational expenditure. This is where the real financial gain is to be made.

He told conference delegates that aside from immediate savings of US$350,000 in lubricating oil, operators could save more than US$1 million in through-life operational costs.

This is based on reduced fuel consumption, reduced drydocking and maintenance costs, and associated loss of earnings; shaft alignment optimization, lower bearing wear rates, better EEDI; and an increase in cargo carrying capacity. The arrangement also reduces to zero the risk of environmental fines related to sterntube oil pollution.

Summing up he said: “There’s no pollution risk, no oil changes, and no need to drydock to change the bearing. A shorter shaft line and smaller engine room space increases cargo space and improves EEDI ratings; there is no barred speed range and no fatigue concerns. It complies completely with all existing class rules.”

On that latter point, ABS has now published a Requirements for Sterntubeless Vessels with Water-Lubricated Bearings guide, bringing together in one document all existing applicable rules for the design. ABS is also introducing a new notation for the sterntubeless ship design, for which the classification society awarded an AiP in June 2022.

Neil McDonald, Thordon Bearings’ Regional Manager – Northern Europe & Africa, said: “The sterntubeless ship design proposed by the Blue Ocean Alliance is truly a milestone development for the global shipping industry. This part of the ship hasn’t changed since the advent of steam propulsion.

“Simply by remodeling the sterntube space and replacing an oil-lubricated bearing system with one lubricated by water, newbuild ships can be substantially more environmentally and operationally sustainable, without the need for new class rules and notations. It is significant design intervention.”

Chris Leontopoulos believes the first sterntubeless ship with a Thordon seawater-lubricated propeller shaft bearing system, probably based on a SDARI design, will be ordered within the next twelve months.

Elbers Chairs IATA Board of Governors

Press Room Team — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 02:42:14 +0000

Dubai, 3 June 2024.– The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, has assumed his duties as Chair of the IATA Board of Governors (BoG). His one-year term began at the conclusion of the 80th IATA Annual General Meeting in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 3 June.

Elbers is the 82nd Chair of the IATA BoG. He served earlier on the BoG between 2016 and 2022 as KLM’s President and CEO and was reappointed to the Board in 2022 shortly after he became IndiGo’s CEO. He succeeds RwandAir CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo who will continue to serve on the BoG.

“It is indeed an honor to assume this role at a time when India is emerging as one of the world’s largest and fastest growing civil aviation markets and evolving into a formidable force in the airline industry. Adhering to IATA’s legacy of aviation as a force for good, we will continue in our focus of highlighting the benefits of aviation in building connections, augmenting trade, tourism and mobility—benefits also so visible in India. At the same time, it is imperative that we persist in our commitment towards a more diverse, equitable and inclusive and also more sustainable aviation industry, creating positive change for generations to come. IATA plays a pivotal role in establishing global standards; I am eager to continue collaborating with global industry leaders, regulators, and stakeholders towards our collective goals,” said Elbers.

Elbers has over 30 years of broad experience in the aviation industry. He has been CEO of IndiGo since September 2022 and has taken IndiGo on a journey of expansion and internationalization since. Prior to joining IndiGo, he served for eight years as President and CEO of KLM. He started his career at KLM in 1992 as Manager Aircraft Loading and has held various key executive positions with KLM in The Netherlands, Japan, Greece, and Italy.

“I look forward to working with Pieter as we deliver the industry’s sustainability commitments, address supply chain challenges, and strengthen the global standards critical for our industry’s efficient connectivity. I also want to thank Yvonne for her strong support and leadership over the past year. She has helped us to firmly establish Focus Africa as a key initiative to expand aviation’s social and economic benefits on the continent. And, as our first female BoG Chair, Yvonne has been an inspiration for the 25by2025 initiative to improve aviation’s gender balance,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Chair Elect and Board of Governors Appointments

IATA announced Luis Gallego Martin, Chief Executive Officer, IAG (representing IBERIA), to serve as Chair of the BoG from June 2025, following Elbers’ term. IATA also published the full list of its 32 BoG members.

Air Cargo Posts Fourth Month of Double-Digit Growth in March

Press Room Team — Thu, 02 May 2024 12:53:32 +0000

Geneva, May, 2024.- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for March 2024 global air cargo markets showing continuing strong annual growth in demand.

• Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), rose by 10.3% compared to March 2023 levels (11.4% for international operations). This is the fourth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth.

• Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), increased by 7.3% compared to March 2023 (10.5% for international operations).

“Air cargo demand grew by 10.3% over the previous March. This contributed to a strong first quarter performance which slightly exceeded even the exceptionally strong 2021 first quarter performance during the COVID crisis. With global cross-border trade and industrial production continuing to show a moderate upward trend, 2024 is shaping up to be a solid year for air cargo,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Several factors in the operating environment should be noted:

• Global cross-border trade and industrial production increased by 1.2% and 1.6% respectively in February.

• In March, the manufacturing output Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbed to 51.9, indicating expansion. The new export orders PMI also rose to 49.5, remaining slightly below the 50 threshold that would indicate growth expectations.

• Inflation saw a mixed picture in March. In the EU and Japan, inflation rates fell to 2.6% and 2.7% respectively, while rising in the US to 3.5%. In contrast, China experienced a slight deflation of -0.01%. This latest figure marks a return to deflation after February’s brief period of inflation.

March Regional Performance
Asia-Pacific airlines saw 14.3% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March. Demand on the Asia-Europe route grew by 2.7 ppt to 17.0% and the within Asia market grew by 6.7 ppt to 11.8%. Capacity increased by 14.3% year-on-year.

North American carriers saw 0.9% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March —the weakest among all regions. Demand on the North America–Europe trade lane grew by 2.9% year-on-year while Asia–North America grew by 4.7% year-on-year. March capacity decreased by -1.9% year-on-year.

European carriers saw 10.0% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March. Intra-European air cargo rose by 24.7% year-on-year. Europe–Middle East routes saw demand grow by 38.3% year-on-year, while Europe–North America expanded by 2.9% year-on-year. March capacity increased 8.0% year-on-year.

Middle Eastern carriers saw 19.9% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March – the strongest of all regions. The Middle East–Europe market was the strongest performing with 38.3% growth, ahead of Middle East-Asia which grew by 19.6% year-on-year. March capacity increased 10.6% year-on-year.

Latin American carriers saw 9.2% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March. Capacity increased 7.0% year-on-year.

African airlines saw 14.2% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in March. Demand on Africa–Asia market increased to 22.9%, however this was a 19.8 ppt decrease compared to February’s performance and the largest contraction across the major route areas. March capacity increased by 17.3% year-on-year.

Passenger Demand Up 21.5% in February

Press Room Team — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:47:02 +0000

Geneva, 4 April 2024.– The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for February 2024 global passenger demand with the following highlights:

•   Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 21.5% compared to February 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 18.7% year-on-year. The February load factor was 80.6% (+1.9ppt compared to February 2023).

•   International demand rose 26.3% compared to February 2023; capacity was up 25.5% year-on-year and the load factor improved to 79.3% (+0.5ppt on February 2023).

•   Domestic demand rose 15.0% compared to February 2023; capacity was up 9.4% year-on-year and the load factor was 82.6% (+4.0ppt compared to February 2023).

Note that February 2024 was a leap year with one extra day compared to February 2023. This slightly exaggerates growth in both demand and capacity to the positive.

“The strong start to 2024 continued in February with all markets except North America reporting double-digit growth in passenger traffic. There is good reason to be optimistic about the industry’s prospects in 2024 as airlines accelerate investments in decarbonization and passenger demand shows resilience in the face of geopolitical and economic uncertainties. It is critical that politicians resist the temptation of cash grabs with new taxes that could destabilize this positive trajectory and make travel more expensive. In particular, Europe is a worry as it seems determined to lock in its sluggish economic recovery with uncompetitive tax proposals,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets

All regions showed double-digit growth for international passenger markets in February 2024 compared to February 2023. For the first time, demand for international services exceeded pre-pandemic levels (+0.9% compared to February 2019). This, however, is skewed by February 2024 being a leap-year with an extra day compared to February 2023.

Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 53.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 52.1% year-on-year and the load factor rose to 84.9% (+0.6ppt compared to February 2023), the highest among all regions.

European carriers saw a 15.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 16.0% year-on-year, and the load factor was 74.7% (flat compared to February 2023).

Middle Eastern airlines saw a 19.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 19.1% year-on-year and the load factor rose to 80.8% (+0.4ppt compared to February 2023).

North American carriers saw a 16.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 17.6% year-on-year, and the load factor fell to 77.7% (-1.1ppt compared to February 2023).

Latin American airlines saw a 21.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 18.6% year-on-year. The load factor rose to 84.2% (+1.7ppt compared to February 2023).

African airlines saw a 20.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 22.1% year-on-year. The load factor fell to 74.0% (-0.8ppt compared to February 2023).