A clear positive economic indicator: first and business airline seats jumped again in June.
But there are signs that growth slowed in the second quarter as economic activity returned to pre-crisis levels, the International Air Transport Association said in its monthly premium monitor.
“Demand for premium tickets in June was 16.6 percent higher than a year ago, against a 9.5 percent rise for economy, where recession and austerity measures in some countries is dampening leisure travel,” Reuters said.
Growth for the first half of the year was 11.9 percent for premium and 6.3 percent for economy.
"This sort of slowdown should be expected as the post-recession rebound and business inventory cycle boosts disappear," the report said.
Revenue on premium seats was just over 40 percent higher in June than a year ago, reflecting both the increased number of passengers and a strong rise in average fares.
Demand for seats showed wide regional variation, with Asian, South American and Middle Eastern markets strong, but trans-Atlantic routes remained sluggish.
By David Wilkening
