International premium and economy air passenger numbers grew at the same rate of 4.5 per cent  in August compared to a year ago, up on the July growth of 2.6 per cent.

The strong expansion in passenger numbers between August and July counters the negative trend seen in previous months, added the assessment of premium and economy travel in August released by the International Air Transport Association (Iata).

The expansion in passenger numbers is consistent with signs of improving business conditions, after a period of weakness in international trade and business confidence earlier in the year, the report pointed out.

The improvement in international passenger numbers has been supported by strong growth on markets like Europe – Far East (6.7 per cent) and North and Mid Pacific (7.1 per cent). The recent weakening of the Eurozone economy is yet to have an obvious impact on air travel growth.

By contrast, air travel within Far East and markets connected to South America continue to show weakness, the report said, highlighting that economic and political turmoil in Thailand has damaged tourism demand over recent months and Malaysia air travel has been impacted by tragedies related to the flag carrier.

The North America – South America market has been hit by capacity cuts to Venezuela as well as weakness in key economies like Brazil and Argentina, the Iata report noted. – TradeArabia News Service