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IATA Data Tracks Airlines’ Evolving Network

[ July 17, 2026   //   ]

Airlines continued to modernize their fleets and expand global air transport in 2025, according to the International Air Transport Association’s annual World Air Transport Statistics, underscoring long-term shifts that influence passenger networks and the belly cargo capacity supporting international freight.

The annual statistical review, based on data from 1,315 airlines, highlights changes in fleet composition, passenger markets and route development rather than quarterly business performance. For logistics providers, the report offers a benchmark of how the global aviation network continues to evolve.

One of the clearest trends was the growing use of newer-generation aircraft. Flights operated by the Airbus A350 increased 117.4 percent compared with 2019 levels, while Boeing 787 flights rose 40.8 percent. Airbus A321 operations climbed 61.6 percent, and Airbus A220 flights increased more than sevenfold during the same period.

At the same time, airlines continued retiring older aircraft. Airbus A380 flights remained 24.4 percent below 2019 levels, while Airbus A319 operations declined 34.3 percent.

Although passenger traffic remains the primary driver for these aircraft, fleet modernization also affects the amount and economics of belly cargo capacity available on international routes.

The U.S. remained the world’s largest passenger market in 2025 with 890.1 million originating and terminating passengers, although growth slowed to 1.6 percent year over year. China ranked second with 776.1 million passengers, up 4.8 percent.

Several emerging aviation markets posted stronger gains. Kazakhstan recorded the fastest growth among major markets, with passenger traffic increasing 40 percent to 18.1 million travelers. Vietnam grew 14.8 percent to 80.9 million passengers, while Uzbekistan expanded 16.9 percent to 12.5 million.

Premium international travel also continued to strengthen. Business- and first-class passenger numbers reached 109.7 million in 2025, a 4.5 percent increase from the previous year and representing 5.5 percent of all international travelers. Latin America recorded the fastest premium growth, rising 22.1 percent.

Asia Pacific continued to dominate the world’s busiest airport pairs. The domestic route between Jeju and Seoul Gimpo in South Korea remained the busiest globally with 13.3 million passengers. In North America, New York John F. Kennedy-Los Angeles was the busiest domestic airport pair, while New York John F. Kennedy-London Heathrow remained the region’s busiest international route.

Published annually, WATS compiles operational, fleet and market data from more than 1,300 airlines worldwide, providing one of the industry’s principal statistical benchmarks for tracking long-term trends in global aviation.

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