The year 2017 is off to a strong start, with global passenger traffic showing a 9 percent spike in January compared to the same time last year, says the International Air Transport Association. The growth in passenger traffic marks a five-year high, thanks largely to the Lunar New Year celebrations which fell in January this year, compared to February in 2016. ADVERTISEMENTEuropean carriers also posted an 8 percent climb in international traffic in January. North American airlines posted the slowest demand growth, with traffic rising 3 percent compared to the same period last year. “2017 is off to a very strong start, with demand at levels not seen since 2011,” said IATA CEO Alexandre de Juniac.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 08, 2017 09:04 UTC