|
GENEVA - INTERNATIONAL air traffic held up against the economic slowdown in May, growing by 6.0 per cent from the equivalent figure last year, the air travel industry body IATA said on Wednesday.
'This is slower than the 7.4-per cent increase recorded for the full year 2007, but stronger than expected given the economic downturn,' said the International Air Transport Association in a statement.
The increase was lifted by North American carriers, whose international traffic grew 8.2 per cent, while domestic capacity fell 3.3 per cent.
With the higher fuel prices, air carriers have also been keeping their flights fuller.
International load factors reversed a decling trend, rising for the first time in three months to 74.3 per cent.
'The high price of oil is re-shaping the industry. The major shifts in traffic flows experienced during May reflect this,' said Mr Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's Director General and CEO.
Meanwhile, cargo growth slumped to just 1.3 per cent for May compared to 4.3 per cent posted for 2007, as Asian cargo traffic contracted due to weakness in the Japanese economy and the earthquake in China. -- AFP
 |
Is this article useful to you?
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 
