PREMIUM TRAFFIC GROWTH SLOWS, WHILE US GETS TOUGH ON OIL SPECULATORS

IATA Premium Traffic Monitor reports June premium traffic up 6.4% with economy traffic up 4.8% year-over-year. However, the aviation body warned that the level and growth rates have fallen back from levels seen in May due to slower world trade growth and weakening business confidence. In June, premium passengers represented 8% of international traffic but accounted for 27% of the world airline industry’s revenue. With the economic situation worsening around the world, IATA predicts slower growth for the rest of 2011. “The mixed picture across route areas remains,” IATA said. “Growth across the North Atlantic and on Europe-Far East markets