IATA reports 12% fall in Aug-2009 international premium traffic
IATA reports (15-Oct-2009) the following premium traffic growth highlights by region in Aug-2009:
- Total international: -12.0% year-on-year;
- Within Far East: -10.4%;
- Within Middle East: -14.7%;
- Within North America: -20.0%;
- Within Southwest Pacific: -4.9%;
- Within Europe: -20.5%. [more] [more - Perspective]
IATA: "In August, premium paying passenger numbers were still down 12%. However, compared to their low point in May when they were down 23.5% that is a larger improvement than that seen in Economy travel. World trade has picked up since June, but not sufficiently to warrant a significant rise in premium travel. The reported rise in premium passenger numbers remains fragile. Higher load factors are now starting to raise average economy and premium fares, as the cheaper seat categories do not have to be left open quite so long...We estimate premium fares are now down 18% compared to levels a year ago. Even though the situation is now better than it was in the first half of the year, revenues from premium passengers were still down an estimated 30% in August," IATA statement. Source: IATA, 15-Oct-2009.