Passenger and freight traffic growth continues

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced today that international passenger traffic grew by 6.8% and international freight traffic by 5.4% in February. The year-to-date passenger traffic growth of 6.4% is in line with industry projections of 6.5% growth in 2006. International freight traffic grew by 5.3% for the first two months of the year after a period of volatility and weakness in 2005.

"February, traditionally the slowest month for international traffic, brought both good news and solid growth. The recovery in freight has stretched to three months with growth of over 5% resulting from strength in international trade. While passenger growth was in line with projections, North American carrier growth of 3.6% is significantly below the high levels recorded in 2005 as US carriers re-allocated domestic capacity to higher-yielding international markets," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA Director General and CEO.