Global air passenger traffic results showed a strengthening in demand growth in October over the previous month and a year earlier, new figures reveal.
Total revenue passenger kilometres rose 5.7% over October 2014, slightly ahead of the 5.2% year-on-year rise recorded in September 2014, according to Iata.
Director general and chief executive, Tony Tyler (pictured), said: “Against a backdrop of economic weakness in some regions, October traffic results show demand for connectivity remains strong on a global basis.”
He also gave a mixed outlook going forward.
“With 2014 drawing to a close the outlook for air travel remains positive, as improvements in economies in Asia-Pacific and the US offset signs of weakness in the eurozone and China,” said Tyler.
“Falling oil prices, if sustained, should provide a much-needed operating cushion for airlines, but sluggish demand for oil in key markets could indicate a broader economic slowdown. Rising political instability is also a cause for concern.
“Next month we will begin the second century of commercial aviation. The global economy will be depending on a healthy and sustainable industry to respond to rising demand for connectivity.”
The October figures saw European airline demand increase by 5.8% year-on-year, the strongest growth among the three largest regions in the world.
“Although there has been some slowdown in the eurozone economy, travel on low cost carriers has remained robust and is helping sustain current results” Iata said.