The International Air Transport Association (IATA) publishes an especially optimistic forecast for 2025, indicating a significant increase in the number of passengers worldwide.
According to the report, the number of passengers is expected to reach 5.2 billion, an increase of 6.7% compared to 2024, and for the first time, the 5 billion passenger mark will be surpassed.
Noticeable Increase in Specific Regions:
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Asia-Pacific: The region shows impressive recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, with a sharp rise in demand for international and intra-regional flights. The lifting of travel restrictions and strengthening of local economies contribute to this trend.
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Europe: The continent is experiencing significant growth in passenger traffic, especially on intra-European routes. The removal of travel restrictions and the strengthening of tourism are leading to increased demand for flights.
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North America: The demand for domestic and international flights continues to rise, with emphasis on leisure and business flights. The strengthening of the U.S. economy contributes to this trend.
Despite the optimistic forecasts, the aviation industry faces significant challenges. Delays in the supply of new aircraft due to supply chain issues affect airlines' ability to expand fleets and reduce fuel costs. Willie Walsh, CEO of IATA, noted that "the situation is unacceptable" and called on suppliers to improve performance.
Additionally, rising fuel prices and the need to invest in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) pose an economic challenge to airlines.
The implementation of new regulations requiring the use of SAF in Europe and the UK, alongside the high costs of these fuels, could impact ticket prices.
Nevertheless, in the global aviation organization, forecasts for 2025 indicate a continued upward trend in flight demand, with expectations to break records in passenger numbers and revenues.
However, as mentioned, the aviation industry will need to tackle significant challenges, including delays in aircraft supply, high fuel costs, and the need for sustainable investments to ensure continued growth and recovery.