IATA issued (May-2015) its Premium Traffic Monitor for Mar-2015:
Passenger travel on international markets rose 4.6% year-on-year, in line with Feb-2015 growth. The growth trend over the past several months, particularly for premium travel, has flattened;
There was some positive impact from the Lunar New Year. The holiday provided a boost for leisure travel for several weeks, extending into Mar-2015;
Premium international travel rose 4.4% for Mar-2015, an acceleration on Feb-2015 (up 2.3%). The growth trend remains broadly flat when considering the past six months. Premium international air travel volumes are largely unchanged since Aug-2014;
Longer-haul markets have been performing relatively more strongly, accounting for the expansion of RPKs at a faster rate than passenger numbers.
The growth trend reflects a lagged response to the gradual slowdown in improvements in business confidence throughout 2H2014, with economic conditions in some emerging markets deteriorating;
IATA expects there may be «some bright spots» for growth in premium international travel ahead.
Premium international air travel within Europe rose 7.8% in Mar-2015, compared to 0.4% in Feb-2015. There are signs of a pickup in business confidence in the Eurozone which could support growth ahead;
The US economy remains a stand-out performer among developed nations, and recent gains in employment and business confidence bode well for both leisure and business-related travel;..
