International air traffic growth slows in November

Growth in international air traffic slowed in November, industry association IATA said Thursday, noting that the expansion in demand was dipping to normal levels after a sharp recovery.

"The industry is shifting gears in the recovery cycle. Growth is slowing towards normal historical levels in the five to six per cent range," said Giovanni Bisignani, director general of the International Air Transport Association.

Passenger traffic growth reached 8.2 per cent in November compared to a year ago, while freight traffic was up 5.4 per cent.

European carriers posted a 7.3 per cent growth, although they were hit by industrial action and bad weather conditions.

"The impact of these will continue to be seen in December's traffic," noted IATA.

North American carriers recorded 9.5 per cent in passenger demand growth for November, while Asia-Pacific airlines posted 5.8 per cent.

Middle-eastern carriers said growth reached 16.7 per cent in November. IATA noted that these airlines had gained market share over the recession and recovery period, as they handled 16 per cent more traffic in November than at their pre-recession peak in 2008.

African airlines posted a year-on-year growth of 16.4 per cent, moving 11 per cent more travellers in November than before the recession.

Latin American carriers were hurt by the failure of Mexicana, with traffic flat in November compared to a year ago.

Meanwhile, freight traffic was back to the pre-recession levels.

Asia-Pacific carriers in particular moved 4.1 per cent more freight in November than a year ago.
 

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