Geneva, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) – The Geneva-based International Air Transport Association (IATA) released figures 25 June showing that, while still falling, the drop in the number of air travellers in May 2009 was slightly smaller than in previous months, lending credence to reports of a bottoming-out of the recession. Worldwide, travel figures were 9.3 percent down in May compared to May 2008. The load factor in May, the ratio of passengers flown over airline capacity, was lower than a year ago, at 71.2 percent.

International freight travel figures were relatively better as well, though still below levels of last year. “We may have hit bottom, but we are a long way from recovery,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s director general and CEO.

International passenger demand has been hit both by the recession and the A/H1N1 pandemic. Hardest hit have been Mexican carriers with a 4o percent decline in passenger traffic. Some regions, such as the Middle East, have seen increased passenger levels and capacity. Low-cost European carriers actually improved passenger levels by 2.5 percent, the IATA report shows.

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.