IATA reveals increase in international air passenger traffic

Airline Industry Information, August 4, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported an increase in international air passenger traffic in June 2003.

Although international air passenger traffic recorded in June 2003 dropped by 11.8% compared with the same month in 2002, the figure recorded is an increase compared with figures in May 2003. The increase is said to be due to the containment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

According to IATA, the disease may cause airlines to lose up to USD6.5bn on international services in 2003, with the industry returning to profitability in 2004.

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