Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced continued strong growth in air travel demand, based on February 2023 traffic results. Total traffic in February 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 55.5% compared to February 2022. Globally, traffic is now at 84.9% of February 2019 levels. Domestic traffic for February rose 25.2% compared to the year-ago period. Total February 2023 domestic traffic was at 97.2% of the February 2019 level. International traffic climbed 89.7% versus February 2022 with all markets recording strong growth, led once again by carriers in the Asia-Pacific region. International RPKs reached 77.5% of February 2019 levels. “Despite the uncertain economic signals, demand for air travel continues to be strong across the globe and particularly in [...]

Source: ICAO The ICAO Council has approved a new amendment addressing international instructions on the carriage of active small lithium battery powered electronic devices in checked baggage. Based on the revised requirement, devices powered by small lithium batteries in checked baggage can stay turned on during the flight, provided their lithium metal battery’s lithium content is less than 0.3 grams, or if its lithium ion battery’s output is less than 2.7 Wh. For devices with lithium batteries that exceed the above limits, the obligation to turn them off in checked baggage remains. The Council Decision follows on recommendations from the Air Navigation Commission and its Dangerous Goods Panel, which had advised that restrictions were unnecessary for such small lithium batteries [...]

Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for February 2023 global air cargo markets showing that air cargo demand rose above pre-pandemic levels. Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), fell 7.5% compared to February 2022 (-8.3% for international operations). This was half the rate of annual decline seen in the previous two months (-14.9% and -15.3% respectively). February demand for air cargo was 2.9% higher than pre-pandemic levels (February 2019)—the first time it has surpassed pre-pandemic levels in eight months. Capacity (measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers, ACTK) was up 8.6% compared to February 2022. The strong uptick in ACTKs reflects the addition of belly capacity as the passenger side of the business continues to recover. International [...]

Source: ALTA In January 2023, domestic air passenger traffic decreased 1% compared to 2022, a sign of the downward trend that Colombia could have in 2023 if measures are not taken in a timely manner. The drop in the domestic passenger traffic is mainly explained by an increase in the final price of tickets. Such prices have been impacted by: Increase in fuel costs, which represents 50% of operating costs. Increase in domestic costs as a result of 13.28% inflation as of February 2023. Strong devaluation that impacts roughly 65% of the airlines' operating costs. Different fees and contributions updated with inflation, such as the airport fee (payment made by passengers to the airport for the use of the air [...]

Source: FAA Get ready for takeoff! The Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Design Challenge will take flight on April 1 with an extended enrollment period. The Challenge helps students design virtual airports using the Microsoft game Minecraft. Students studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) across the globe will meet aviation professionals and learn about the aerospace industry and STEM concepts and careers. "We need to continue to reach out to youth in their areas of interest," said Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen. "The Airport Design Challenges does this by combining gaming and aviation to develop our leaders of tomorrow." During the competition, students collaborate in small teams to learn about their local airports and to complete developmental tasks in Minecraft. They participate [...]

Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS) will focus on sustainability, safety and digitalization. WCS is taking place in Istanbul, Türkiye from 25 to 27 April 2023. “Air cargo is operating at nearly pre-pandemic levels. But the way it operates has changed dramatically. This is due to a convergence of economic and geo-political forces, continuing priorities on improving sustainability, safety, and reliability, as well as emerging opportunities with new markets, technologies, and digitalization. This year’s WCS will explore how to keep air cargo profitable while addressing these priorities, challenges, and opportunities,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Speakers & Sessions Willie Walsh, and Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo will be speaking at the event along [...]