International passenger traffic up 11.7% in May-2010: IATA

IATA reports (29-Jun-2010) the following international traffic growth by region in May-2010:

• Passenger traffic (RPKs): +11.7% year-on-year;
  • Africa: +16.9%;
  • Asia Pacific: +13.2%;
  • Europe: +8.3%;
  • Latin America: +23.6%;
  • Middle East: +17.5%;
  • North America: +10.9%;
• Passenger load factor: 76%;
  • Africa: 66.5%;
  • Asia Pacific: 73.8%;
  • Europe: 77.4%;
  • Latin America: 72.2%;
  • Middle East: 72.3%;
  • North America: 82.4%;
• Cargo traffic (FTKs): +34.3%;
  • Africa: +58.2%;
  • Asia Pacific: +38.7%;
  • Europe: +21.9%;
  • Latin America: +60.2%;
  • Middle East: +38.6%;
  • North America +35.3%. [more]

IATA: "Load factors are at near record levels on both international air travel and air freight markets. This shows that seats and freight capacity are being very well utilised by airlines, which has tightened supply-demand conditions. Fares, cargo rates and airline yields are rising significantly as a result ... Looking ahead, the economic expansion appears to be continuing strongly in the 'emerging' economies. Japan and the US have also been expanding at a reasonable pace in recent quarters. Travel originating in these economies should continue to expand in the next few months. However, European markets are unlikely to grow," Source: IATA statememt, 29-Jun-2010.