IATA anticipates improved profitability for airlines in 2023-2024

IATA’s outlook for the airline industry reveals an optimistic trajectory for 2023 and 2024. Projected net profits are US$23.3 billion in 2023 (2.6% margin) and US$25.7 billion in 2024 (2.7% margin), with operating profits expected to surge from US$40.7 billion in 2023 to US$49.3 billion in 2024.

In 2024, total revenues are set to reach an unprecedented US$964 billion, marking a substantial 7.6% year-over-year growth. However, expenses are anticipated to rise by 6.9%, totalling US$914 billion in 2024. Passenger travel is poised to hit a historic high of 4.7 billion people, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, while cargo volumes are estimated at 58 million tonnes in 2023, increasing to 61 million tonnes in 2024.

Despite the commendable recovery, IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, underscores that the 2.7% net profit margin falls significantly below industry standards. Walsh points out ongoing challenges such as regulatory burdens, fragmentation, high infrastructure costs, and oligopolies within the supply chain.

Driving these projections:

• Revenues are expected to outpace expenses with a 7.6% increase in 2024.
• Operating profits are forecasted to rise by 21.1% from 2023 to 2024.
• Industry revenues are poised to reach a historic high of US$964 billion in 2024.
• Passenger revenues are projected at US$717 billion in 2024, up 12% from 2023.
• The anticipated load factor in 2024 is 82.6%, reflecting high demand and limited capacity.

These projections highlight the industry’s resilience amid challenges, emphasising the need for sustained efforts to address persistent issues and ensure a robust future for global aviation. (£1.00 = US$1.26 at time of publication).