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Global passenger traffic bounces back in February

Global passenger traffic bounces back in February

Airports Council International World has reported global passenger traffic grew by 6.6 per cent in February on a year-on-year basis.

This growth is in line with the 12-month rolling average of global growth which has also been recorded as 6.6 per cent.

The numbers signalled regained momentum in global passenger growth following a slower January which was negatively affected by the timing of the Lunar New Year.

The continued high growth figures posted by the global freight market moderated in February, reaching 6.3 per cent year-on-year.

The impact this has on the 12-month rolling average for the freight market – which stands at 7.9 per cent - is limited but the prospect of a trade war between the United States and other major economies risks eroding the strength of this continued growth.

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“Growth in air traffic has gained momentum at the beginning of this year.

“While the Asia-Pacific region led the world again in the rate of growth, all regions posted solid gains despite some escalating political tensions around the globe,” said Angela Gittens, director general, ACI World.

“The global freight market showed remarkable resilience in the face of challenges including the prospect of a trade war between the United States and other major economies which threaten to erode the strength of this continued growth.”

International passenger traffic, which grew by 7.5 per cent, was once again the major driver for the global passenger market in February while domestic traffic also fared well.

Domestic traffic grew by six per cent during the period on a year-on-year basis, with most regions posting growth of five per cent or more.

In the major aviation markets, Asia-Pacific’s total passenger traffic grew the fastest with 8.2 per cent growth on a year-on-year basis, bringing its 12-month rolling growth rate to 7.5 per cent.

Europe and North America followed Asia-Pacific, gaining 6.6 per cent and 5.5 per cent respectively on a year-on-year basis.