A record-breaking total of air passengers for next year has been predicted by the International Air Transport Association, matched by record revenue for the airlines.
IATA’s statement says “Passenger numbers are expected to reach 5.2 billion in 2025, a 6.7 percent rise compared to 2024 and the first time that the number of passengers has exceeded the five billion mark.” The statement also predicted revenues of $1.007 trillion, “the first time that industry revenues top the $1 trillion mark.” That would be up 4.4% from 2024, helped by falling fuel prices.
But all is not happy, in IATA’s view: while those numbers add up to $36.6 billion in profits, it could be higher, according to IATA’s chief, Willie Walsh, a former airline CEO. Walsh cited “persistent supply chain challenges, infrastructure deficiencies, onerous regulation and a rising tax burden.” Those are always high on airline executives’ complaints, but Walsh also pointed to another source of frustration: between safety concerns and engine-maker issues, Airbus and Boeing delivered 30% fewer new planes than had been planned, keeping older, less-efficient planes in the air.
