May 2025 Mobility & Consumption Minute: air travel breaks records while eggs gain ground
Every month, the Mobility Minute and the Consumption Minute explore two major trends transforming consumer behaviour in France and across Europe.
Presented by Flavien Neuvy, economist and Director of the Cetelem Observatory, these two analyses provide a one-minute overview of the developments shaping the mobility and consumer markets.
In May 2025, two markets are growing but for very different reasons:
- Global air transport is reaching record levels, five years after the sector came almost completely to a standstill
- France’s egg market is growing for a third consecutive year, supported by its strong value for money
Mobility Minute: global air travel is flying high
According to IATA forecasts, 2025 is expected to be a record-breaking year for global air transport.
More than 5.2 billion passengers could travel by air worldwide, while the airline industry is expected to cross the symbolic threshold of $1 trillion in total revenue.
What you need to know
– more than 5.2 billion passengers expected worldwide, an all-time record;
– around $1 trillion in total airline revenue;
– an average operating margin of around 7%, representing approximately $70 billion in operating profit;
– expected net profit of around $38 billion;
– a sector that has recovered beyond its pre-pandemic passenger levels.
To understand why record passenger numbers do not necessarily translate into high airline profitability:
👉 Discover the full analysis on the Cetelem Observatory
Find out about the latest Auto 2025 study by l’Observatoire Cetelem
In 2011, l’Observatoire Cetelem de l’Automobile took an interest in the under-30s, then called the “Generation Y”.
Nearly 15 years later, it looks at Generation Z, who succeeded them, in a new study that evaluates their relationship with the automobile in a context of market downturn, slowing inflation and debates on the transition to electric.
Carried out in 14 countries, among 16,000 people, the study by l’Observatoire de l’Auto 2025 is rich in lessons.
Consumption Minute: France’s egg market continues to grow
The egg market has now recorded several consecutive years of growth:
+3.9% in 2023, +4.7% in 2024 and a further +4.2% in the first quarter of 2025.
One figure goes a long way towards explaining the trend: an egg costs around €0.26 on average, making it one of the most affordable sources of protein available to households.
What you need to know
– market growth of 3.9% in 2023, 4.7% in 2024 and 4.2% in the first quarter of 2025;
– around €0.26 per egg on average, making eggs one of the least expensive sources of protein;
– a highly versatile food used in desserts, salads and hot meals;
– simple preparation that is accessible to almost every level of cooking ability;
– a growing number of French households are keeping hens at home as a way of reducing food costs.
To understand what rising egg consumption reveals about household food choices:
👉 Discover the full analysis on the Cetelem Observatory
Find out about l’Observatoire Cetelem new 2025 consumer study
In 2023, the Cetelem Consumer Observatory took an interest in the low-cost market and its extension. Today, we look at the evolution of consumption in France, which is very different from that of a few years ago. If you want to dig a little deeper into the subject, discover the complete European study by the Cetelem Observatory on consumption in 2025
Two markets, two ways of remaining resilient
One sector has recovered from an unprecedented shutdown and is now breaking records.
The other is an everyday food product whose success is closely linked to affordability.
Together, they reveal something about household priorities.
Consumers continue to protect spending on travel and experiences, while becoming more rational and cost-conscious when it comes to everyday essentials.
Pleasure is preserved: essential spending is optimised.
FAQ – May 2025 Mobility & Consumption Minute
- How many passengers are expected to travel by air worldwide in 2025?
More than 5.2 billion passengers, which would represent an all-time record according to IATA forecasts. - How much revenue are airlines expected to generate in 2025?
The global airline industry is expected to generate approximately $1 trillion in total revenue. - How profitable is the airline industry expected to be?
The industry is expected to achieve an average operating margin of around 7%, representing approximately $70 billion in operating profit, with net profit of around $38 billion. - How fast is France’s egg market growing?
The market grew by 3.9% in 2023 and 4.7% in 2024, followed by growth of 4.2% in the first quarter of 2025. - Why are French consumers buying more eggs?
Eggs combine affordability, versatility and ease of preparation. At around €0.26 each on average, they remain one of the most accessible sources of protein. - How much does an egg cost on average in France?
Around €0.26, making eggs one of the most affordable protein sources available to households. - Where can the full analyses be found?
Both analyses are available on the Cetelem Observatory website, respectively in its Automotive and Consumption sections.
