Int'l premium traffic up 2% in Oct-2012, int'l economy traffic up 3%

IATA reports (18-Dec-2012) the following premium and economy traffic growth highlights by region in Oct-2012:

• Premium traffic:
  • Total international: +2.3% year-on-year;
    • Within Africa: +12.8%;
    • Within Far East: +6.9%;
    • Within North America: -2.0%;
    • Within South America: -6.6%;
    • Within Europe: +1.0%;
• Economy traffic:
  • Total international: +3.1%;
    • Within Africa: +10.3%;
    • Within Far East: +3.9%;
    • Within North America: -2.6%;
    • Within South America: -3.6%;
    • Within Europe: +2.6%. [more - original PR]

IATA: "Looking ahead, the soft demand environment that has weakened air travel growth over recent months is showing some signs of stabilizing. Although world trade growth remains slow, the decline in business confidence seen throughout the third quarter has now reversed, with current levels indicating stability in the business environment in the months ahead. Consequently, we would expect the downward pressure on growth in air travel, particularly in premium markets, to stabilize over coming months." Source: Company statement, 18-Dec-2012.