Air traffic picks up in October

The airline yields also appear to have improved marginally, as premium travel numbers declined by 9.3 per cent in October compared with a 13.9 per cent fall in September.

Going by the latest figures of airlines around the world, the International Air Transport Association said the economy travel figures also showed an improvement with a positive 1.3 per cent growth, compared with 0.9 per cent in September.
It said passenger numbers on international markets expanded further during October.
"Numbers travelling on economy seats were 1.3 per cent up versus a 0.9 per cent rise in September, whereas premium passengers were down 9.3 per cent compared with a 13.9 per cent fall in September," IATA's premium traffic monitor said.
Both premium and economy travel volumes rose around six per cent from their respective low points, but were still below early 2008 levels, it said, observing that "stronger world trade in the late summer appears to be generating more business travel."

Geographically, the strongest markets in October were South America and the Middle East, including long-haul connections over Middle Eastern hubs. Within South America, total passenger numbers were up 19.8 per cent, while Middle East to Far East markets were up 14.8 per cent, the IATA said.

All the larger markets, between Europe, Far East and North America were down between 1.7-2.6 per cent, with the exception of 'within Far East' travel which was up 3.6 per cent, reflecting stronger economic recovery in this region.
Travel volumes are moving upwards as economies recover but only half of the 2008 fall has been restored so far and a slower yield upturn has limited the improvement in revenues.

The IATA report said, "One of the weakest premium markets" remained within-Europe, with a 19.7 per cent decline. Long-haul markets across the North Atlantic and Pacific were down 5.8 and 12.1 per cent respectively, a modest improvement on June lows. Europe to Far East was also down 8.1 per cent.

The premium markets showing positive growth in October were linked to the Middle East, mostly reflecting long-haul traffic being connected over Middle Eastern hubs.