Int'l premium traffic up 3% in Jan-2013, int'l economy traffic also up 3%

IATA reports (18-Mar-2013) the following premium and economy traffic growth highlights by region in Jan-2013:

• Premium traffic:
  • Total international: +3.3% year-on-year;
    • Within Africa: +4.9%;
    • Within Far East: +4.6%;
    • Within North America: +2.8%;
    • Within South America: +5.1%;
    • Within Europe: -0.5%;
• Economy traffic:
  • Total international: +2.9%;
    • Within Africa: -1.6%;
    • Within Far East: +2.7%;
    • Within North America: +4.8%;
    • Within South America: +5.7%;
    • Within Europe: +0.6%. [more - original PR]

IATA: "Recently there have been signs that the downward pressure on air travel markets seen throughout 2012 is starting to ease. With current levels of business confidence pointing to moderate growth in the months ahead and positive signs coming from emerging markets like Asia, that optimism could well materialise. However, with developed economies continuing to show weakness, downside risks for air travel demand remain a factor in 2013." Source: Company statement, 18-Mar-2013.