The number of passengers travelling by air is forecast to exceed 5 billion for the first time next year.
The sector's revenues will cross the trillion-dollar barrier, global aviation body IATA announced.
"The number of passengers is expected to reach 5.2 billion in 2025, representing a 6.7 percent growth compared to 2024 and the first time that the number of passengers exceeds five billion," the International Air Transport Association said in a statement quoted by AFP.
Meanwhile, the industry's total revenue is forecast to reach $1.007 trillion, helped by falling oil and fuel prices, "the first time industry revenue will exceed the $1 trillion mark," it continued.
Revenues will grow by 4.4 per cent from 2024.
"All of this gives us financial results that I think are absolutely worth celebrating" after the post-pandemic rebound, IATA chief economist Marie Owens Thomsen told a news conference in Geneva.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh pointed out that IATA expects a profit of $36.6 billion despite "ongoing supply chain challenges, infrastructure deficiencies, burdensome regulation and a growing tax burden."
IATA represents around 340 companies, which account for 80% of global air traffic.
Airlines have been hit by rising fuel costs since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, but IATA expects that factor to ease next year, with the price of jet fuel averaging $87 a barrel, compared with $99 in 2024.
"Lower oil prices and resulting fuel costs are a major factor in the improving outlook for airlines in 2025," it said.
"If these are not realised for any reason and given the industry's thin margins, the outlook could change significantly," the company added. | BGNES
