Premium traffic up 7.1% in Dec-2010: IATA

IATA reports (17-Feb-2011) the following premium traffic growth highlights by region:

• Dec-2010:
  • Total international: +7.1% year-on-year;
  • Within Africa: +8.6%;
  • Within Far East: +16.6%;
  • Within Middle East: +7.3%;
  • Within North America: +2%;
  • Within Southwest Pacific: -19.7%;
  • Within Europe: -1.6%;
• 12 months ended Dec-2010:
  • Total international: +9.1%;
  • Within Africa: +2.4%;
  • Within Far East: +21.1%;
  • Within Middle East: +8.8%;
  • Within North America: +2.4%;
  • Within Southwest Pacific: -4%;
  • Within Europe: +3%. [more]

IATA: "2010 was a year of premium and economy air travel market recovery, but the pace of recovery varied tremendously by market. Some, linked to the so-called developing economies, have now expanded well above previous peaks. Others, mostly in the developed markets, remain well below pre-recession levels. Air travel markets reflected broader developments in the economy during 2010, and the impact that had on business travel. Given the continued divergence of economic performance expected during 2011 we would expect to see continued divergence in air travel markets," Source: IATA statement, 17-Feb-2011.