November 2023 witnessed a notable recovery in domestic aviation markets worldwide, with special emphasis on China’s robust performance compared to the previous year.
1. United States: Unquestionable Leader
Seats in the domestic market in November 2023: Approximately 84 million The United States maintains its leadership position, representing 19.2% of the global domestic aviation market. This rise attests to the country’s strong internal connectivity and advanced infrastructure. Major U.S. airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines play prominent roles. Southwest Airlines stands out for consistent post-pandemic growth. The resilience of the sector in the United States is evident, with a focus on passenger safety and comfort strategies. The opening of borders in 2022 signals ongoing recovery and growth for the industry in the United States.
2. China: Significant Recovery and Promising Projections
Seats in the domestic market in November 2023: Approximately 65 million China, once the second-largest market in 2019, has experienced a significant recovery despite persistent international challenges. Market share increased to 6.4% in August 2023. Proactive Chinese government policies, including border openings and the removal of COVID-19 testing requirements, have driven domestic traffic growth by over 25% compared to 2019. Projections indicate a 700% increase in revenue per passenger-kilometer by 2042, positioning China as a formidable competitor in the coming years.
3. India: Overcoming Challenges Through Sustained Growth
Seats in the domestic market in November 2023: Approximately 15 million Despite infrastructure and regulatory obstacles, India displays notable growth driven by increased disposable income and a growing middle class. Boeing projections indicate significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting the dominance of single-aisle aircraft and the predominant role of IndiGo in the Indian domestic scene.
4. Japan: Efficiency and Innovation in Competition with Railways
Seats in the domestic market in November 2023: Approximately 12 million Efficient Japan faces unique challenges due to its high-speed rail network. Innovative strategies, focusing on punctuality and service quality, are adopted by airlines to compete with trains. Domestic traffic has returned to pre-pandemic levels, showcasing the resilience of the Japanese aviation market.
5. Brazil: Resilience Amid Economic Challenges
Seats in the domestic market in November 2023: Approximately 10 million The Brazilian aviation industry faces economic and political challenges but remains resilient, driven by the reliance on air travel in a vast landscape. LATAM Brasil stands out, expanding its domestic network and significantly increasing market share, underscoring the importance of expansion strategies in a competitive market.
As the world recovers from the pandemic, the question of which country will dominate global passenger traffic and fleet demand in the next two decades remains open. While China and India show promising growth, the United States, with its extensive connectivity and resilience, continues to lead the global aviation scene. The future holds intense competition among these aviation giants.
Text credits:By Journalist Flávio Bergmann
photomontage: by Vinícius Pascoal