GENEVA — The world’s airlines are posting record-setting load factors, according to the latest global passenger traffic stats from IATA.

New data just released by IATA for March 2018 indicate passenger demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometers, or RPKs) was up 9.5%, compared to the same month a year ago, the fastest pace in 12 months.

Capacity (available seat kilometers, or ASKs) grew 6.4% and load factor climbed 2.3 percentage points to 82.4%, which set a record for the month, following on the record set in February. All regions except for the Middle East posted record load factors.

“Demand for air travel remains strong, supported by the comparatively healthy economic backdrop and business confidence levels. But rising cost inputs –particularly fuel prices – suggest that any demand boosts from lower fares will moderate going into the second quarter,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

North American airlines posted a 9.5% traffic rise in March compared to the year-ago period, well above the 5-year average growth rate of 3.6%. Capacity climbed 4.9% and load factor was up 3.5 percentage points to 83.5%, which was the second highest among the regions.