African airlines record nearly 10% rise in traffic May 2013 – IATA

African airlines enjoyed nearly a 10% rise in traffic in May 2013 as global passenger growth trend continues, according to an industry report.

The  International Air Transport Association (IATA) says African airlines’ traffic climbed 9.8% in May which was the second highest among the regions.

The report notes that African carriers are benefiting from a sustained increase in trade through developing links to Asia and the Middle East, as well as strong GDP growth in local economies, particularly in Western Africa.

“Capacity rose 7.4% in May, raising load factor 1.4 percentage points to 66.2%,” said IATA’s passenger traffic report.

In terms of air freight, African carriers grew just 0.2% in May, but growth trend, according to the airline association, was positive. It adds

“Parts of Africa have some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, driving demand for high-value consumer goods,” it said.

IATA reports that growth on routes connected to the Middle East and Asia has more than offset the decline in demand for African goods from European markets.

By Ekow Quandzie