International air passenger traffic rose 5.6% in September 2011October 31, 2011 - 14:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - International air passenger traffic rose 5.6 percent in September from a year ago, industry association IATA said Monday, October 31, describing the result as a "pleasant surprise." However, the International Air Transport Association said it was bracing itself for poor months ahead amid falling business and consumer confidence and collapsing freight demand. "September's strength in passenger demand was a pleasant surprise," said Tony Tyler, IATA director general. The data "may reflect the robust conditions in emerging markets and travel booked earlier in the year when there was more economic optimism," added IATA. European carriers were among the top performers for the month, with a 9.2 percent increase in international traffic during the month. "The weak euro is enhancing Europe's attractiveness to tourists and creating export opportunities for business," said IATA. Demand was also strong for Latin American carriers, growing 10.6 percent from the same period last year, while for Middle Eastern airlines, traffic was up 9.1 percent. Asian airlines however recorded just 4.3 percent in growth, while North American carriers also posted a weak increase in demand of 1.2 percent. However, freight demand was morose, with Asian Pacific carriers -- the biggest players -- reporting a 6.3 percent drop for the month. European airlines also recorded a 2.4 percent contraction, while North American carriers reported flat freight traffic for September, AFP reported. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | Armenia border residents dissatisfied with delimitation Residents Kirants are dissatisfied with the results of the delimitation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. “Great success”: Pashinyan pleased with new border protocol Pashinyan has described the signing by Armenia and Azerbaijan of a protocol on delimitation in Tavush as “a great success”. Armenia, Azerbaijan sign protocol on demarcation coordinates Armenia’s government took on May 15 another step towards handing over four border areas to Azerbaijan. U.S. warns Georgia not to side with Moscow against the west Georgia has been warned by the U.S. not to become an adversary of the west by falling back in line with Moscow. |