International air demand rose sharply in August while domestic demand increased moderately, according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).  The report showed:

• Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 4.6% compared with August 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 4.5% year on year. The August load factor was 86% (up 0.1 percentage points compared with August 2024), a record high for the month.  
• International demand rose 6.6% compared with August 2024. Capacity was up 6.5% year on year, and the load factor was 85.8% (up 0.1 percentage points compared with August 2024). International traffic was by far the dominant driver of growth, accounting for 87% of the net increase in global RPK in August.
• Domestic demand increased by 1.5% compared with August 2024. Capacity was up 1.3% year on year. The load factor was 86.3% (up 0.1 percentage point compared with August 2024).  
• North American carriers saw a 1.8% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 2.6% year on year, and the load factor was 87.5% (down 0.6 percentage point compared with August 2024). This was the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year declines in international passenger load factors  for North America.  

Willie Walsh, director general, said the demand growth “confirms that the 2025 peak northern summer travel season reached a new record high.” Moreover, he said, planes were operating with more seats filled than ever, with a record load factor of 86%. Despite economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, said Walsh, the global growth trend shows no signs of abating, as October schedules are showing airlines planning 3.4% more capacity. Airlines are doing their best, said Walsh, to meet travel demand by maximizing efficiency, making it even more critical for the aerospace manufacturing sector to sort out its supply chain challenges.