GLOBAL commercial air travel demand reached 90 per cent of pre-Covid levels in May, according to Bain & Company’s Air Traffic Demand Forecast Model.

The complete rebound is anticipated in the first half of 2024, primarily driven by the resumption of Chinese air travel. However, current recovery trends may be dampened by the evolving macroeconomic environment.

A potential recession and rising inflationary pressure could adversely affect leisure travellers’ disposable income in 2023 to 2025, and delay full air-travel recovery.