The latest IATA’s assessment of premium and economy travel in March is out.
Key points:
-Growth in premium travel slowed in March, up just 1.9% year-on-year, compared to 4.1% in February;
-Premium traffic volumes have declined over recent months, consistent with weakening demand drivers;
-A notable part of the slowdown is China, where business activity has been contracting since January;
-Premium travel within the Far East has suffered as a result, contracting 2.2% in March;
-Almost all routes saw a slowdown in March relative to the February year-on-year comparisons;
-But those connecting more buoyant economies like North America โ -Central/South American still grew robustly;
-The premium travel outlook remains broadly positive, but prior improvements in demand are showing some reversal;
-April data shows business activity now growing at the slowest rate for 5 months, and world trade volumes declining;
-Advanced economies should support growth in premium travel, but downward pressure from some emerging markets is likely.