Global air travel grows 10.7% in May

By Tuba Ongun

ANKARA (AA) – Global air passenger demand increased 10.7% from a year ago in May, with airlines filling a record 83.4% of their seats, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) data released on Wednesday.

Total air passenger capacity, measured in available seat kilometers, grew 8.5% year-on-year in May, the association said.

"With May ticket sales for early peak-season [summer] travel up nearly 6%, the growth trend shows no signs of abating," IATA Director General Willie Walsh said.

International traffic increased by 14.6% compared to a year earlier in May thanks to strong growth seen in all regions. The capacity on international routes was up 14.1% annually and the load factor improved to 82.8% in the month.

Domestic passenger demand increased by 4.7% and capacity was up 0.1% in the same period.