The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic results for August showing a slight pick-up in demand over the previous month. Total revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) increased 5.9% compared to August 2013, which was above the 5.4% year-over-year increase recorded in July. August capacity climbed 5.5%. The load factor stood at 83.9% which is a 0.3% point rise over August 2013.

''August was a good month right across the industry. All regions reported an expansion in demand for air travel. And load factors were high, reflecting the fact that August is peak travel season in the Northern hemisphere. We should, however, keep an eye on potential downside risks. European travel, for example, continues to show robust growth. The 6.1% year-to-date expansion in demand reflects a solid step up from the 3.8% growth recorded in 2013. But it remains a question how long the robust trend in passenger travel can continue in light of the continent’s increasingly worrying economic outlook,'' said Tony Tyler, IATA's director general and CEO.

Domestic demand rose 4.5% in August compared to August 2013 with all markets reporting growth, led by Russia and India. Domestic capacity climbed 3.4% and load factor rose 0.9% points to 83.4%.

Indian domestic demand climbed 7.4%. Results for the last two months have been solid, perhaps an early sign of improvement as a result of the new business-supportive government regime. 

International passenger traffic rose 6.7% in August, with all regions showing growth over the previous year. Capacity also rose 6.7% and load factor was stable at 84.2%.