IATA announces that global air transport demand is expected to more than double by 2050, reaching 20,800 billion RPKs (revenue passenger kilometers) in its central scenario, compared to 9,000 billion in 2024, representing an average annual growth rate of 3.1%.

Depending on the scenarios, growth could vary between 2.9% (19,500 billion RPKs) and 3.3% (21,900 billion).

The association says that this momentum will be mainly driven by Asia-Pacific and Africa, with respective growth rates of 3.8% and 3.6%, compared to 2.5% in Europe and 2.8% in North America.

Intra-African markets and Africa-Asia routes are amongst the most dynamic, reflecting the potential of emerging economies.

"The outlook for air transport remains positive (...) demand is expected to more than double by the middle of the century," says Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA.

The organization finally insists on the need for investment in infrastructure, regulation, and the energy transition to support this expansion.