GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

AIr Travel Industry Statistics

The air travel industry is a vast global network that facilitates millions of flights carrying billions of passengers each year, contributing significantly to the world economy.

Highlights: Air Travel Industry Statistics

  • In 2019, there was a total of 4.54 billion airline passengers worldwide.
  • The global aviation industry supports $3.5 trillion in economic activity.
  • Boeing forecasts that passenger numbers will double to 8.2 billion by 2037.
  • In 2018, private carriers accounted for more than 60% of the market share by revenue.
  • In 2022, about 4.72 billion passengers are estimated to travel by air worldwide.
  • The airlines sector has seen its profits grow from $2 billion in 2010 to over $30 billion in 2019.
  • Airlines earned approximately $901 billion in gross airline ticket sales in 2019.
  • The largest market for air travel in 2018 was U.S. domestic with 926.7 million passengers.
  • Globally, the average airfare per kilometer flown is about 10.76 cents.
  • The revenue generation from international air travel is expected to reach $581 billion in 2021.
  • Over 8,500 aircraft were expected to be delivered to Asia-Pacific airlines in 2019-2038.
  • In 2018, airlines recycled 9% of their total waste.
  • In 2019, global air freight amounted to around 204.4 million metric tons.
  • Commercial airlines flown in 2020 had a load factor of just 65.5% — the lowest since 1995.
  • In 2019, the US air industry revenue was expected to amount to $247.64 billion.
  • In 2019, Atlanta International Airport was the busiest airport worldwide with over 110 million passengers.
  • The long-haul low cost operator share of total seats was only at 0.1% in 2000 but increased to 2.8% in 2019.

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The Latest Air Travel Industry Statistics Explained

In 2019, there was a total of 4.54 billion airline passengers worldwide.

The statistic stating that there were a total of 4.54 billion airline passengers worldwide in 2019 indicates the significant scale of air travel activity during that year. This figure represents the total number of individuals who traveled by air across all countries and airlines globally. The statistic underscores the widespread popularity and importance of air transportation as a mode of travel, highlighting the interconnectedness of the world through aviation. It also serves as a key indicator of the overall growth and demand in the airline industry, showcasing the impact of factors such as economic growth, technological advancements, and global tourism trends on air passenger numbers.

The global aviation industry supports $3.5 trillion in economic activity.

The statistic that the global aviation industry supports $3.5 trillion in economic activity refers to the total value of goods and services produced by various sectors within the aviation industry around the world. This includes the financial contributions of airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, maintenance services, and related industries. The economic impact of the aviation industry is vast, as it generates employment opportunities, drives tourism, facilitates global trade, and supports various other economic activities. This statistic highlights the significant role that the aviation sector plays in boosting economic growth and development on a global scale.

Boeing forecasts that passenger numbers will double to 8.2 billion by 2037.

The statistic “Boeing forecasts that passenger numbers will double to 8.2 billion by 2037” indicates that the aerospace company Boeing has projected a significant increase in the total number of passengers that will travel by air by the year 2037. Currently, there are approximately 4.1 billion passengers traveling annually, and Boeing estimates that this figure will double to 8.2 billion within the next 18 years. This forecast implies a strong growth trajectory for the aviation industry, driven by factors such as increasing global population, rising disposable incomes, and expanded air travel accessibility. As such, this statistic highlights the anticipated demand for air travel and the need for continued expansion and innovation within the airline industry to accommodate this projected surge in passenger numbers.

In 2018, private carriers accounted for more than 60% of the market share by revenue.

The statistic “In 2018, private carriers accounted for more than 60% of the market share by revenue” indicates that among all carriers operating in a certain industry or sector in 2018, those that are privately owned and operated generated over 60% of the total revenue. This suggests that private carriers were dominant in terms of revenue generation compared to other types of carriers such as public or government-owned entities. The statistic highlights the significant contribution of private carriers to the overall financial performance and economic significance of the industry during that particular year. It implies that these private carriers likely had a competitive advantage or were more successful in attracting customers and generating income compared to their counterparts.

In 2022, about 4.72 billion passengers are estimated to travel by air worldwide.

The statistic stating that about 4.72 billion passengers are estimated to travel by air worldwide in 2022 reflects the anticipated volume of air travel on a global scale for the given year. This figure underscores the immense popularity and widespread use of air transportation as a convenient and efficient mode of travel for individuals across various regions and demographics. The estimate serves as a key indicator of the growing importance and reliance on air travel for both leisure and business purposes, highlighting the increasing interconnectedness of economies and cultures around the world. Additionally, this statistic may have significant implications for airlines, airports, and the broader aviation industry in terms of capacity planning, infrastructure development, and service delivery to accommodate the anticipated demand for air travel.

The airlines sector has seen its profits grow from $2 billion in 2010 to over $30 billion in 2019.

The statistic indicates a significant increase in profits within the airlines sector over the nine-year period from 2010 to 2019, with profits growing from $2 billion to over $30 billion. This represents a massive 15-fold increase in profits over the timeframe. Such a sizeable growth in profits reflects a positive trend for the airlines sector, likely driven by factors such as increased demand for air travel, cost efficiencies, strategic business decisions, and overall economic conditions. The consistent growth in profits suggests that the airlines sector has experienced substantial success and financial stability during this period.

Airlines earned approximately $901 billion in gross airline ticket sales in 2019.

The statistic that airlines earned approximately $901 billion in gross airline ticket sales in 2019 represents the total revenue generated by the airline industry from the sale of tickets for passenger transportation services during that year. This revenue includes the fares paid by travelers for flights across different routes and classes, as well as any additional fees and charges associated with the ticket purchases. The substantial figure of $901 billion underscores the significant economic activity and global scale of the airline industry, highlighting its importance as a crucial component of the transportation sector and the wider economy.

The largest market for air travel in 2018 was U.S. domestic with 926.7 million passengers.

The statistic indicates that in 2018, the United States witnessed the highest volume of air travel compared to any other country, with a total of 926.7 million passengers traveling domestically within the country. This insight highlights the magnitude of air transportation within the U.S., underscoring the country’s significant role in the global aviation industry. The statistic may reflect a combination of factors such as the size of the U.S., its population, the strength of its economy, and its well-developed air travel infrastructure. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of the U.S. market for airlines, airports, and related industries, while also illustrating the high demand for domestic air travel among passengers in the country during that year.

Globally, the average airfare per kilometer flown is about 10.76 cents.

The statistic that globally, the average airfare per kilometer flown is about 10.76 cents indicates the typical cost per unit distance traveled by air transportation around the world. This figure represents the average amount a passenger pays for every kilometer they fly. It is a useful metric for understanding the relative cost efficiency of air travel across different regions and airlines. Higher average airfare per kilometer may suggest factors such as longer flight distances, premium services, or limited competition in the market. Conversely, lower average airfare per kilometer may indicate shorter flight routes, price competition, or cost-effective airline operations. Understanding this statistic can help industry stakeholders analyze pricing strategies, consumer behaviors, and market trends in the global aviation sector.

The revenue generation from international air travel is expected to reach $581 billion in 2021.

The statistic indicates that the revenue generated from international air travel is forecasted to reach $581 billion in the year 2021. This figure represents the total earnings expected to be generated by airlines through ticket sales, cargo services, and other related activities associated with international flights. The revenue generated from international air travel is influenced by factors such as passenger demand, fuel costs, airline competition, and global economic conditions. The projected revenue of $581 billion highlights the significant economic impact of the international aviation industry and underscores its vital role in facilitating global travel and trade.

Over 8,500 aircraft were expected to be delivered to Asia-Pacific airlines in 2019-2038.

The statistic that over 8,500 aircraft were expected to be delivered to Asia-Pacific airlines in the 20-year period from 2019 to 2038 implies a significant growth and demand for aircraft within the region. This statistic suggests that airlines in the Asia-Pacific region are projected to experience substantial expansion and investment in their fleets over the next two decades, accommodating the growing demand for air travel in the region. The delivery of over 8,500 aircraft also reflects the competitive landscape in the aviation industry in Asia-Pacific, with airlines vying to modernize their fleets, enhance operational efficiency, and capitalize on the increasing number of passengers choosing air travel as their preferred mode of transportation.

In 2018, airlines recycled 9% of their total waste.

The statistic that airlines recycled 9% of their total waste in 2018 signifies the proportion of the airlines’ waste that was diverted from landfills and instead processed for recycling. This metric suggests that there is room for improvement in the airline industry’s waste management practices, as a greater percentage of waste could potentially be recycled to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability. By increasing their recycling efforts, airlines can not only reduce their carbon footprint and conserve resources but also contribute to a more environmentally friendly and responsible operational model.

In 2019, global air freight amounted to around 204.4 million metric tons.

The statistic states that in 2019, the total volume of goods transported by air across the globe was approximately 204.4 million metric tons. This figure illustrates the significant role that air freight plays in transporting goods internationally, facilitating global trade and commerce. The substantial volume of air freight highlights the efficiency and speed of air transport as a crucial mode for shipping valuable or time-sensitive goods. The statistic serves as a key indicator of the scale of the global economy and the interconnectedness of countries through trade and supply chains.

Commercial airlines flown in 2020 had a load factor of just 65.5% — the lowest since 1995.

The statistic reveals that in 2020, commercial airlines experienced a lower load factor, which refers to the percentage of available seats that are filled on a flight, compared to previous years. Specifically, the load factor in 2020 was recorded at 65.5%, marking the lowest rate since 1995. This significant decrease in the load factor can be attributed to various factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a sharp decline in air travel demand due to travel restrictions, lockdown measures, and passenger concerns about safety. The lower load factor indicates that airlines were operating with a higher proportion of empty seats, impacting their revenue and overall performance. Additionally, the comparison to the load factor in 1995 suggests that the aviation industry faced a level of challenge and disruption similar to that experienced over two decades ago.

In 2019, the US air industry revenue was expected to amount to $247.64 billion.

The statistic states that in 2019, it was anticipated that the revenue generated by the US air industry would reach $247.64 billion. This figure represents the total earnings derived from various sources within the air industry, including ticket sales, baggage fees, in-flight services, and other related revenue streams. The revenue serves as a significant indicator of the economic activity and financial health of the air industry in the United States during the specified year. It underscores the industry’s substantial contribution to the overall economy and highlights the importance of the air transportation sector in facilitating travel, trade, and commerce within the country and across international borders.

In 2019, Atlanta International Airport was the busiest airport worldwide with over 110 million passengers.

The statistic stating that Atlanta International Airport was the busiest airport worldwide in 2019 with over 110 million passengers provides valuable insight into the magnitude of air traffic at the airport during that year. This figure underscores Atlanta’s pivotal role as a major transportation hub, connecting millions of passengers to various destinations across the globe. The high volume of passengers passing through the airport not only highlights Atlanta’s significance in the aviation industry but also emphasizes the challenges and logistical considerations involved in managing such a large number of travelers efficiently and safely.

The long-haul low cost operator share of total seats was only at 0.1% in 2000 but increased to 2.8% in 2019.

This statistic highlights the significant growth of long-haul low-cost operators within the aviation industry over the span of 19 years. In 2000, these operators accounted for just 0.1% of total available seats, indicating they held a minimal market share. However, by 2019, the share of total seats held by long-haul low-cost operators had surged to 2.8%, marking a substantial increase. This growth suggests that more passengers are opting for low-cost long-haul flights, showcasing a shift in consumer preferences and the increasing competitiveness of low-cost carriers in the long-haul travel market.

References

0. – https://www.www.ibisworld.com

1. – https://www.www.iata.org

2. – https://www.www.statista.com

3. – https://www.www.aci.aero

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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