IATA sees 'slow and steady' EU growth, stronger trans-Atlantic premium travel in Sep-2015

IATA reported (19-Nov-2015) economic conditions in the Eurozone remain fragile, but growth has been "slow and steady" for several months, with 3Q2015 business activity growth is the highest seen since 2Q2011, despite weakness in major economy France. Premium travel growth within Europe was up 6.6% year-on-year in Sep-2015, while economy class travel rose 6.1%, but still above the 3.8% trend for the year-to-date. Part of the growth is reflecting stronger demand for travel that includes a segment within Europe, as part of longer haul journeys as well, Improvements in the Eurozone have also given a boost to business-related travel across the North Atlantic, which saw premium travel rise 5.2%, above the 4.6% y-t-d growth trend. This is a key market, representing 36.8% of total international travel revenues. The acceleration in demand will be "beneficial to yields and financial performance of carriers serving this market". [more - original PR]