Airlines record best ever January for loads
Demand for flights was more than 7% higher in January than at the start of 2015, according to the International Air Transport Association.
Airlines had only 5.6% more seats available so load factors rose 1.1 percentage points to 78.8%, a new record for January.
"January maintained the strong traffic growth trend seen in 2015, showing the resilience of demand for connectivity despite recent turmoil in equity markets," said IATA director general Tony Tyler.
"The record load factor is a result of strong demand for our product and airlines making the most productive use of their assets.
"Underlying conditions point to another strong year for passenger traffic, with the latest decline in oil prices likely providing additional stimulus for air travel growth."
European carriers saw international traffic rise 4.2% in January, while capacity was up 2.6% and load factors rose by 1.2 percentage points to 78.8%.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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