International passenger traffic down 2.4% in Apr-2010: IATA

IATA reports (27-May-2010) the following total international traffic growth by region in Apr-2010:

• Passenger traffic (RPKs): -2.4% year-on-year;
  • Africa: +8.6%;
  • Asia Pacific: +3.5%;
  • Europe: -11.7%;
  • Latin America: +1.2%;
  • Middle East: +13%;
  • North America: -1.9%;
• Passenger load factor: 76.9%;
  • Africa: 69.7%;
  • Asia Pacific: 76.7%;
  • Europe: 77.6%;
  • Latin America: 71.4%;
  • Middle East: 76%;
  • North America: 80.2%;
• Cargo traffic (FTKs): +25.2%;
  • Africa: +54.6%;
  • Asia Pacific: +33.2%;
  • Europe: +8.3%;
  • Latin America: +63%;
  • Middle East: +25.9%:
  • North America +23.8%. [more]

IATA: "Early data for May published by the AEA, show a 4.2% year-on-year rise in RPKs flown by AEA member airlines during the first two weeks of the month. Using a slightly smaller year-on-year rate to estimate the May growth rate for all European airlines suggests that air travel has bounced back, slightly above pre-ash plume levels. There were two further days disrupted by the ash plume in May but this time affecting 3.5% of flights or less and so not having a significant impact. This data very tentatively suggests that air travel from May onwards should be back on the previous trend, being driven primarily by economic developments," Source: Company statement, 27-May-2010.