Air traffic to grow 6.5%: ICAO

West Asia to see highest air passenger traffic growth

BY A CORRESPONDENT
February 2, 2006

Global and regional scheduled air passenger traffic in terms of passenger-kilometres performed is expected to grow at 6.5 % and 6.2% in 2006 and 2007 respectively according to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Last year, the traffic is estimated to have grown at 7.6% over the year before.

The air traffic forecasts have been based on projections for global and regional economic growth till 2007, according to an article published in the ICAO journal. The assessments were based on recent forecasts made by the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other government and private organisations.

According to ICAO, growth in air traffic has historically been higher than growth in the economy. Though the demand for air transport is primarily determined by economic development, it is also influenced by safety and security concerns.

According to projections, the world economy is expected to grow by 4.4% in 2006 and 4.2% in 2007. The air traffic growth will vary in terms of geographies due to the impact of specific regional factors.

In West Asia, it is expected to be highest at 12% in 2006 and 8.8% in 2007. Airlines in the Asia–Pacific region will experience fairly strong growth in air traffic, according to ICAO Journal. In 2006 and 2007, the market for airlines in North America and Europe is expected to grow at slightly lower than seven per cent. Latin America and the Caribbean and Africa are expected to witness growth rates that are below the world average.