Airlines recover in 2010

Global air passenger traffic rose 11.7 percent year-on-year in May 2010, according to the Geneva-based International Air Transport Association (IATA).  "Demand rebounded strongly in May following the impact of the European volcanic ash fiasco in April. Passenger traffic is now 1 percent above pre-recession levels, while the freight market is 6 percent bigger," Mr. Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's director general and CEO said.

The association noted a 4.8 percent increase in capacity in May, pushing international passenger load factor to 76 percent.  This is the sixth consecutive month with seasonally adjusted load factors near 79 percent.
European airlines recorded an 8.3 percent growth compared to May 2009.  Asia-Pacific carriers recorded a 13.2 percent increase while North American carriers saw a 10.9 percent growth.  Latin American carriers posted the fastest growth in demand at 23.6 percent in May, supported by the region's strong economic upturn.  Middle Eastern carriers recorded a 17.5 percent while African carriers reported a demand increase of 16.9 percent.