Premium
passenger numbers were 3.8% higher in September compared to a year
ago, and economy travel was up 5.0%;
· September’s year-on-year growth rates are close to the recent trend, with premium and economy travel growing at 4% and 5% annualized rates over the last 6 months;
· This recent trend, although solid, is showing a slowdown compared to growth seen over an earlier period;
· Premium travel grew at a stronger 7% annualized rate over the 6 months during Q4 2011 and Q1 2012;
· And economy class travel was increasing at an 8% annualized rate over the same period;
· The growth in air travel has moderated in line with weakening business confidence and slowing world trade growth;
· Premium travel markets within Europe and across the North Atlantic are the two main regions of slower growth;
· Premium travel within Europe has increased just 0.6% year-to-date, after growing 3.7% during 2011;
· By contrast, routes connected to emerging economies continue to show robust performance, with solid growth in September;
· Without significant improvement in the business environment, downward pressure on premium travel demand is likely to continue in coming months.
· September’s year-on-year growth rates are close to the recent trend, with premium and economy travel growing at 4% and 5% annualized rates over the last 6 months;
· This recent trend, although solid, is showing a slowdown compared to growth seen over an earlier period;
· Premium travel grew at a stronger 7% annualized rate over the 6 months during Q4 2011 and Q1 2012;
· And economy class travel was increasing at an 8% annualized rate over the same period;
· The growth in air travel has moderated in line with weakening business confidence and slowing world trade growth;
· Premium travel markets within Europe and across the North Atlantic are the two main regions of slower growth;
· Premium travel within Europe has increased just 0.6% year-to-date, after growing 3.7% during 2011;
· By contrast, routes connected to emerging economies continue to show robust performance, with solid growth in September;
· Without significant improvement in the business environment, downward pressure on premium travel demand is likely to continue in coming months.
