DOHA: The passenger demand growth of Middle East airlines’ soared 18.6 percent in April 2014, compared to the same month last year, which is easily the strongest growth for any region. Capacity climbed 13.1 percent and load factor jumped 3.8 percentage points to 80.8 percent, according to the latest passenger traffic results released by International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The airlines in the Middle East continue to benefit from the strength of regional economies and solid growth in business-related premium travel.
The IATA, which is set to open its 70th Annual General Meeting (AGM) here, from June 1 to June 3, announced global passenger traffic results for April showing a healthy increase in demand. Total revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) rose 7.5 percent compared to April 2013, an improvement over March growth of 2.9 percent.
“April’s demand growth was a pleasant surprise in the face of the moderating trend of recent months but it is not clear whether the acceleration in demand is sustainable in view of global economic trends including slower growth in China,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
Tyler, who is here as part of the preparations of the coveted event, said that nearly 1,000 people are expected to attend the 70th AGM and World Air Transport Summit
Hosted by Qatar Airways, the event will take place under the patronage of the Emir, H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
“Doha will be the centre of the air transport industry next week as its leaders discuss the most important commercial aviation-related issues of our times: safety, security, environment, distribution and financial sustainability among others,” said Tyler.
IATA is the global association of the world’s airlines. The IATA AGM draws together the CEOs and senior management of its 240 member airlines that carry 84 percent of global traffic. They will be joined by leaders from across the spectrum of industry stakeholders including governments, partners in the value chain and other international organisations.
The high-profile agenda of the AGM features two panel discussions on the first day. The CEO forum will include Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways; David Barger, CEO, JetBlue Airways; Ivan Chu, CEO, Cathay Pacific Airways; Andres Conesa Labastida, CEO, Aeromexico; Willie Walsh, CEO and International Airlines Group.
The Peninsula
