Mideast carriers’ passenger traffic up 9pc
ATP- arab tourism portal- The Middle East carriers’ passenger traffic increased 9.8 per cent in March, while the capacity growth of 11.9 per cent meant a fall in load factor by 1.5 per cent points to 77.1 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to an report from the International Air Transport Association (Iata).
The regional economies are comparatively well-placed to withstand the drop in oil prices and measures of non-oil related business activity continue to show improvement, it said.The global passenger traffic results for March showed that demand (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 7.4 per cent compared to March last year.
This was an improvement on February, when year-over-year growth was 6.4 per cent, it said.The acceleration in the year-on-year comparison reflected the residual impact of the February Lunar New Year celebrations, which tend to boost leisure travel in the weeks before and after the holiday, said the report.
.jpg)
The capacity rose 5.6 per cent and load factor climbed 1.3 percentage points to 80 per cent, with domestic markets experiencing stronger growth than international markets, but both performed well, it said.Tony Tyler, director general and chief executive officer, said: ”March traffic continues the trend of healthy demand for travel. We may, however, see a softening of demand in the second quarter.
There are signs that regional trade activity in Asia-Pacific may be slowing and Eurozone economic weakness continues to disappoint.”"The devastating earthquake in Nepal has gripped the world’s attention. It also has highlighted aviation’s vital role.
Airlines help transport the responders who perform their heroic efforts in bringing food, medical supplies and equipment to those in need.
All our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this disaster and to those who are working around the clock to deliver hope and aid," said Tyler.Meanwhile, Miami will be the focus of the global air transport industry next month, when the 71st Iata Annual General Meeting will run from June 7 to 9, he added.
