According to data supplied by the International Air Transport Authority, demand for air travel soared in April, 2014, by 18.6 percent.
The figures represent the largest growth for any region in the world. Capacity also climbed by 13.1 percent while the load factor increased by 3.8 percent bringing the total to a respectable 80.8 percent, says the IATA report.
Passenger demand was fueled by increasing strength in regional economies which jumped by 8.5 percent compared to the same period last year. As a result of the generalized economic improvement airlines in all regions tallied growth.
“April’s demand growth was a pleasant surprise in the face of the moderating trend of recent months but it is not clear whether the acceleration in demand is sustainable in view of global economic trends including slower growth in China,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s director general and CEO.