As defined by MIT (2020), adapted to the metric system, Load Factor (LF) is the Number of Revenue Passenger Kilometer (RPK) expressed as a percentage of ASK, either on a particular flight or for the entire system. Load factor represents the proportion of airline output that is actually consumed as shown in Fig.1.

Fig. 1 – Aicraft showing seats ocupied by passengers
To calculate this figure, divide RPK by ASKs. Load factor for a single flight can also be calculated by dividing the number of Revenue Passengers (RP) by the number of Available Seats (AS).
Related Topics:
- Air Passenger Volumes (RP, RPK)
- Airline Passenger Capacity (AS, ASK)
- Unit revenue, cost and profit (Yield, RASK and CASK)
- Case Study: Madrid to Beijing Flight
References: