KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 10): Global passenger traffic results for November 2019 showing that demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 3.3% compared to the same month in 2018, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In a statement Jan 9, IATA said this was unchanged from October’s result and below the long-term trend.

It said capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) increased by 1.8%, and load factor climbed 1.1 percentage points to 81.1%, which was a record for any November.

IATA said all regions saw annual increases in traffic.

IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said November’s moderate result reflects the continuing influence of slower economic activity, geopolitical tensions and other disruptions, including strikes in Europe.

“On the plus side, positive developments in the US-China trade talks, in tandem with signs of improving business confidence, could support an uptick in travel demand.

“In the meantime, continued modest capacity growth is helping to maximise asset efficiency,” he said.