Overview
- Airlines are forecast to carry 5.2 billion passengers in 2026, with a record load factor of 83.8% as aircraft availability remains tight.
- Net profit is projected at $41 billion with a 3.9% margin and $7.90 earned per passenger, on total revenues of about $1.053 trillion, with profitability varying widely by region.
- Persistent supply-chain issues are set to expand the aircraft order backlog, push average fleet age past 15 years, and limit fuel-efficiency gains to roughly 1%.
- Sustainable aviation fuel output is expected to reach only about 2.4 million tonnes in 2026, roughly 0.8% of fuel needs, with IATA calling availability the key barrier to 2030 goals.
- IATA criticized equipment and engine leasing suppliers for margins above 20% and said it is exploring legal avenues to address supplier costs.