IATA

IATA: Premium Air Travel Grows As Asia Pacific Dominates Global Aviation In 2025

Aviation Today News Desk July 26, 2026

Geneva, Switzerland: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its latest World Air Transport Statistics (WATS), offering a detailed overview

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has highlighted Brazil’s significant potential to become a global leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, positioning the country as a key contributor to aviation’s decarbonisation efforts while strengthening energy security and driving economic growth. The assessment was presented during IATA’s 82nd Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, where the association outlined Brazil’s strategic advantages in supporting the aviation industry's transition toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. According to IATA, airlines worldwide will require approximately 500 million tonnes (Mt) of SAF annually by 2050 to meet the sector’s net-zero commitment. Brazil is well positioned to support this demand due to its extensive biomass resources and established biofuels industry. IATA estimates that Brazil possesses one of the world's largest biomass feedstock potentials, capable of reaching around 180 million tonnes by 2050, which could support the production of approximately 60 million tonnes of SAF. In the near term, sustainably sourced sugarcane ethanol along with virgin and waste oil feedstocks could provide around 18 million tonnes of feedstock by 2030, translating into approximately 12 million tonnes of SAF production potential. IATA noted that this volume would be roughly five times greater than the estimated global SAF production of 2.4 million tonnes expected in 2026. Brazil currently has around 15 SAF development projects underway. If all projects proceed as planned, they could collectively bring approximately 2 million tonnes of SAF production capacity online. “Brazil has all the ingredients to be a global SAF powerhouse. It has one of the cleanest electricity mixes in the world as well as abundant feedstock. Moreover, as the second largest producer of liquid biofuels in the world, the country benefits from deep expertise and developed infrastructure. Brazil has a real opportunity to be a global leader in aviation’s decarbonisation. Embracing this opportunity will create jobs, reduce dependence on foreign fossil fuels, build new energy and agriculture industries, and grow the economy. With the right policies implemented in the right order, Brazil is ready to jump-start the market,” said Willie Walsh, IATA Director General. Beyond feedstock availability, IATA emphasized that Brazil’s extensive experience in ethanol production and its established refining infrastructure provide substantial competitive advantages for SAF development. These strengths create a solid foundation for scaling production through Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathways and other advanced SAF technologies, particularly ethanol-to-jet fuel processes. The association believes this could eventually position Brazil as a net exporter of sustainable aviation fuel. IATA further noted that large-scale SAF production could generate substantial economic benefits across the entire value chain, including agriculture, feedstock cultivation, logistics, infrastructure development, refining, advanced fuel manufacturing and export activities. The association said such growth would support job creation, enhance energy independence and security, improve soil quality, strengthen natural capital and deliver benefits to local communities. Despite the country's significant potential, IATA acknowledged that SAF production in Brazil remains at an early stage and that achieving industrial-scale output will require several critical enablers. Among the priorities identified are investments in conversion technologies, expanded infrastructure and improved logistics networks to efficiently connect feedstock suppliers with fuel production facilities. IATA also called for targeted policy incentives designed to stimulate production, strengthen financing mechanisms and ensure alignment with internationally recognized sustainability standards. Another important element highlighted by the association is the implementation of a book-and-claim system based on tradable SAF certificates. IATA welcomed plans for Brazil’s Fuel of the Future framework (ProBioQAV) to incorporate such mechanisms alongside requirements for airline SAF usage. According to IATA, the approach would facilitate integration with international programs such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) while helping create a functioning SAF market. The association stressed that policy sequencing will be crucial, arguing that adequate SAF supply must be established before usage mandates take effect. “Brazil has many advantages both in terms of natural resources and vast experience that should give the country a world-leading role in SAF markets. The scale of Brazil’s potential is such that the economic rewards could be transformative. Applying tried and tested policies in the right order of sequence is necessary to achieve scale and the price reductions that come with it, but leapfrogging the building of supply chains and going straight for mandates will not. Aligning policies with global standards and programs such as CORSIA will allow Brazil to make the most of its great potential,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist. IATA's assessment underscores Brazil’s emerging role in the global sustainable aviation fuel sector, with the organization arguing that coordinated investment, supportive policy frameworks and industry collaboration could enable the country to become one of the world's most important SAF producers while supporting aviation's long-term decarbonisation goals.

IATA Says Brazil Has Potential To Become A Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Leader

Aviation Today News Desk June 18, 2026

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has highlighted Brazil’s significant potential to become a global leader in

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has sharply reduced its outlook for global airline profitability in 2026, warning that soaring fuel costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are eroding earnings across the aviation sector despite continued strength in passenger demand. Speaking at the IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Rio de Janeiro, industry leaders said global airlines are now expected to generate a combined net profit of approximately US$23 billion in 2026, down from the association's previous forecast of US$41 billion issued before the escalation of the conflict involving Iran. The downgrade reflects a dramatic increase in jet fuel prices following disruptions to energy supplies and transportation routes across the region. Fuel costs are now expected to reach around US$350 billion, compared with roughly US$252 billion in 2025, adding nearly US$100 billion to airlines' collective fuel bill. IATA Director General Willie Walsh said the industry's outlook has deteriorated significantly as war-related disruptions continue to affect both fuel markets and airline operations. While demand for air travel remains resilient, higher operating costs are expected to cut profit margins across virtually every region. Industry-wide net profit margins are now forecast to fall to approximately 2%, compared with earlier expectations of more than 4%. Profitability on a per-passenger basis is also expected to decline sharply, underscoring the fragile economics of commercial aviation despite record revenue generation. According to IATA, global airline revenues are still projected to exceed US$1.16 trillion, supported by steady passenger demand and limited capacity growth. However, much of that revenue growth is being offset by rising fuel expenses, longer flight routings and broader operational disruptions. The conflict has forced many carriers to avoid affected airspace across parts of the Middle East, resulting in longer flight paths, increased fuel burn and higher operating costs. Airlines have also faced challenges securing fuel supplies in some markets as disruptions ripple through global energy and refining networks. The financial pressure comes at a time when airlines are already dealing with aircraft delivery delays from major manufacturers Boeing and Airbus, as well as persistent engine reliability issues. The shortages have compelled many carriers to continue operating older aircraft that consume more fuel, further increasing costs. Walsh criticized ongoing supply-chain constraints affecting aircraft and engine production, arguing that delays are preventing airlines from improving fleet efficiency at a time when fuel costs have become the industry's biggest challenge. The Middle East is expected to experience the most severe impact from the crisis. IATA warned that carriers in the region could collectively slip into losses due to weakened demand, airspace restrictions and operational disruptions linked to the conflict. Other regions are expected to remain profitable, although at lower levels than previously forecast. Industry executives also cautioned that elevated fuel prices could trigger additional airline failures and accelerate consolidation across the sector. Several carriers are already adjusting schedules, reducing flight frequencies and reviewing capacity plans in response to higher operating expenses. Brazilian carrier Azul recently announced further reductions to flight frequencies as it seeks to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices, while Air New Zealand indicated it expects elevated fuel costs to persist into 2027 despite fuel-hedging measures. Airline executives acknowledged that fare increases may become increasingly difficult to avoid if fuel prices remain elevated. However, strong travel demand and constrained capacity have thus far helped airlines maintain pricing power, particularly on long-haul international routes. Despite the challenges, IATA maintains that the industry remains fundamentally resilient. Passenger demand continues to grow globally, and airline revenues are still expected to reach record levels. Nevertheless, executives warned that sustained geopolitical instability and fuel-market volatility could continue to weigh heavily on profitability through 2026 and beyond. The revised forecast marks one of the most significant outlook downgrades since the industry's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the aviation sector's continued vulnerability to geopolitical shocks and energy-market disruptions.

IATA Cuts 2026 Global Airline Profit Outlook As Middle East Tensions Raise Fuel Costs

Aviation Today News Desk June 8, 2026

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has sharply reduced its outlook for global airline profitability in 2026,

significant economic benefits across the continent. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to prioritise aviation as a core pillar of economic and social development, stressing that the sector must be viewed as essential infrastructure rather than a source of taxation. Speaking at the Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, said aviation delivers long-term value through job creation, trade facilitation, tourism growth, and regional integration. “Aviation is the economic infrastructure for Africa. Its value lies in the long-term benefits it delivers,” Alawadhi said. “An aviation strategy focused on safety, cost-competitiveness, energy security and sustainability, and ease of doing business will create jobs, enable trade, support tourism, and further regional integration.” He added that the economic benefits generated by aviation “will allow governments to push forward social and economic development more durably than any tax that might be collected from travelers.” IATA acknowledged that Africa has made progress in aviation safety, with accident rates improving between 2024 and 2025. However, it noted that the region still lags behind global standards. The association highlighted that Africa’s accident rate remains significantly higher than the global average, underlining the need for stronger implementation of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices. It also pointed to weak accident reporting compliance, urging states to publish timely and complete investigation reports in line with Annex 13 obligations, calling these reports essential for improving aviation safety. IATA raised concerns over the high cost of aviation operations in Africa, stating that taxes and charges imposed by governments and infrastructure providers are approximately 15% higher than the global average. The association warned that increasing charges such as passenger-related fees distort ticket pricing, reduce demand, and weaken air connectivity across the continent. It also urged governments to reverse rising aviation-related API-PNR charges and implement regional decisions aimed at reducing aviation taxes and charges to improve affordability and market access. Another key concern highlighted was the issue of blocked airline funds. IATA reported that African countries account for a significant share of global blocked airline revenues, with funds failing to be repatriated despite international agreements guaranteeing such transfers. The association stressed that inability to access revenues undermines airline operations, forcing carriers to reduce flight frequencies or suspend routes, ultimately affecting connectivity and economic activity. IATA called on governments to comply with international obligations and ensure unrestricted repatriation of airline revenues. The organisation also emphasised the need to improve the ease of doing business in aviation markets across Africa. It highlighted visa restrictions as a major barrier to intra-African travel, noting that nearly half of travel within the continent still requires visas before departure. IATA said easing these restrictions would significantly boost tourism, trade, and regional mobility. It further urged governments to remove operational bottlenecks that hinder airline efficiency and market access. IATA also highlighted Africa’s potential role in sustainable aviation, particularly in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and carbon markets. The association noted that Africa could supply significant volumes of SAF feedstock by 2050, using agricultural residues, forestry waste, and municipal waste streams. It also encouraged African states to participate in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), describing it as a key global mechanism for managing aviation emissions while unlocking climate finance opportunities for developing economies. IATA concluded that Africa’s aviation sector has strong growth potential, but structural challenges related to cost, safety, regulation, and financial restrictions must be addressed to fully unlock its economic impact.

IATA Urges African Governments To Treat Aviation As A Strategic Economic Driver

Aviation Today News Desk April 30, 2026

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to prioritise aviation as a core pillar

Montreal, Canada: Global air cargo markets extended their strong start to 2026, with demand rising sharply in February, reflecting sustained recovery in global trade flows, improving industrial activity, and resilient supply chain demand. According to the latest data released by the International Air Transport Association, total air cargo demand measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK) increased by 11.2% year-on-year, marking a significant acceleration compared to January’s already solid performance. The February growth builds on a positive start to the year, when demand rose 5.6% year-on-year in January, highlighting strengthening momentum across global freight markets. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), also expanded in February, reflecting airlines’ efforts to match rising demand, though supply growth continued to lag behind demand in several regions. IATA attributed the strong February performance to multiple macroeconomic and industry factors: Global trade expansion continued to support cargo volumes, with goods trade showing steady growth in late 2025. Manufacturing activity improved, with Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) levels remaining around or above the 50-point expansion threshold, indicating strengthening industrial output. E-commerce and time-sensitive shipments remained key contributors to sustained cargo demand. Jet fuel prices showed relative easing earlier in the year, providing some operational relief to airlines. Despite the strong growth, IATA cautioned that the operating environment remains complex, shaped by geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies, and supply chain uncertainties. IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted that while air cargo continues to demonstrate resilience, global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical developments particularly in the Middle East could weigh on performance in the coming months. Air cargo growth in February remained uneven across regions, continuing trends observed in January: Asia-Pacific maintained its position as the primary growth engine, supported by strong export activity and manufacturing demand. Europe recorded steady gains, reflecting improving intra-regional and international trade flows. Middle East carriers continued to benefit from strategic hub positioning, though capacity expansion remained high. Africa again posted the fastest growth rates, albeit from a smaller base. North America lagged behind, with some markets continuing to face demand softness and trade-related challenges. The February surge reinforces expectations of continued growth in 2026, following a record performance in 2025, when global air cargo demand rose 3.4% year-on-year, reaching historic volume levels. IATA projects that airlines could carry over 71 million tonnes of cargo in 2026, supported by structural drivers such as e-commerce expansion and demand for high-value, time-critical goods. However, the association emphasized that growth may not be linear. Trade policy uncertainty, geopolitical risks, and capacity constraints are expected to remain key variables influencing the market trajectory. February’s double-digit growth underscores the resilience and strategic importance of air cargo in the global logistics ecosystem. While demand fundamentals remain strong, the industry continues to operate in a volatile environment where geopolitical developments and economic shifts could quickly reshape supply-demand dynamics.

IATA: Air Cargo Demand Surges 11.2% In February As Global Trade Momentum Strengthens

Aviation Today News Desk April 12, 2026

Montreal, Canada: Global air cargo markets extended their strong start to 2026, with demand rising sharply in February, reflecting sustained recovery

IATA: Global Airline Accident Rate Improved In 2025 Despite Higher Fatal Accidents

Aviation Today News Desk March 14, 2026

Geneva, Switzerland: The global airline industry continued to demonstrate a strong safety record in 2025, even as fatalities increased compared with

Montreal, Canada: Global air transport is positioned for a historic expansion in 2026, with passenger volumes and airline revenues reaching new heights even as supply chain constraints and cost pressures persist, according to the latest forecasts from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and related industry reporting. Airlines worldwide are expected to carry approximately 5.2 billion passengers in 2026, marking a continued recovery from the pandemic era and outpacing previous demand projections, the industry body and multiple analysts report. The global airline industry’s combined net profit is forecast at around US$41 billion in 2026, an increase from roughly US$39.5 billion in 2025, though profit margins are expected to remain thin by historical standards. “This growth is extremely welcome considering the headwinds that the industry faces including rising costs from supply chain bottlenecks, geopolitical conflict, sluggish global trade and increasing regulatory burdens,” said Willie Walsh, IATA Director General, in the association’s latest outlook. Industry revenues are forecast to exceed US$1 trillion in 2026, broadening the sector’s economic footprint and anchoring the recovery in passenger demand. Revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) are expected to expand by around 4.9 percent, driven by continued travel appetite in key markets across Asia Pacific, the Middle East and the Americas. Seat load factors, a key measure of airline efficiency, are projected to rise to record levels of nearly 84 percent, indicating strong capacity utilization even as aircraft availability tightens. The Middle East is projected to outpace all regions in profitability in 2026, with carriers delivering the highest net profit margin (about 9.3 percent) and the highest profit per passenger (approximately US$28.6). This performance is attributed to strategic investment, supportive policy frameworks and the region’s role as a global connecting hub. However, IATA officials caution that profit strength is uneven, with some carriers still under pressure from geopolitical instability, blocked funds and uneven infrastructure development. Despite robust demand, airlines face persistent supply chain disruptions that continue to constrain aircraft deliveries and fleet renewal efforts. Production backlogs for new aircraft and engines remain at historic highs, creating a structural mismatch between airline requirements and manufacturing capacity that is unlikely to normalise before the early 2030s. Industry analysts warn that these bottlenecks including delays in delivery slots and parts shortages not only limit capacity growth but also contribute to rising maintenance costs and an aging global fleet. While aggregate profits are climbing, the net profit margin is expected to hover around 3.9 percent in 2026, modest by historical standards and reflective of sustained cost pressures. Factors such as labour costs, regulatory compliance, fuel price volatility and infrastructure charges continue to weigh on airline financials. Analysts also note that cargo operations remain resilient, though growth in cargo tonne kilometres is forecast to be more moderate compared with pre-pandemic peaks. Industry forecasts underscore a cautiously optimistic outlook for global aviation: strong passenger demand and revenue growth amid ongoing structural challenges. As airlines prepare for operational and financial execution in 2026, capacity management, supply chain resolves, and regional market dynamics will likely determine which carriers sustain profitability and growth.

IATA Forecasts Record Passenger Demand And $41bn Airline Profits In 2026

Aviation Today News Desk December 25, 2025

Montreal, Canada: Global air transport is positioned for a historic expansion in 2026, with passenger volumes and airline revenues reaching new

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IATA

IATA: Premium Air Travel Grows As Asia Pacific Dominates Global Aviation In 2025

IATA Says Brazil Has Potential To Become A Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Leader

IATA Cuts 2026 Global Airline Profit Outlook As Middle East Tensions Raise Fuel Costs

IATA Urges African Governments To Treat Aviation As A Strategic Economic Driver

IATA: Air Cargo Demand Surges 11.2% In February As Global Trade Momentum Strengthens

IATA: Global Airline Accident Rate Improved In 2025 Despite Higher Fatal Accidents

IATA Forecasts Record Passenger Demand And $41bn Airline Profits In 2026

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