Global passenger traffic recovers to six-month high

GENEVA - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says that in November passenger traffic has seen year-on-year growth of 6.7%, the highest growth rate recorded since May.

International freight traffic growth for the same period remained sluggish at 3.1%. Year to date, passenger traffic is up by 5.8% and freight traffic by 4.8%. The average passenger load factor remained strong at 73.9% in November and is at 76.1% year-to-date, IATA said in a press release.

The Middle East remains the fastest growing region posting an increase of 18.3% in passenger traffic in November. However, for the second consecutive month the rise in capacity (20%) outstripped demand in that region. Africa recorded a 7.5% increase followed by North America (7%), Europe (6.1%), Asia Pacific (5.6%) and Latin America (-2.4%).

International freight traffic in the Middle East rose sharply (17.3%) followed by Africa (3.9%). Asia Pacific (3.2%) and European (1.4%) posted relatively low growth rates despite the improvement in underlying economic factors.

IATA said it will release 2006 year-end traffic results on January 29.