Steady growth in global air traffic: IATA

"The downward pressure on air travel markets seen throughout 2012 is now showing signs of easing in the months ahead," the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said in its Traffic Monitor for the month.

It, however, said, "This growth may not translate to acceleration in air travel growth, but it could provide enough support, particularly to premium markets, to prevent a further slowdown in growth."

While the premium (first and business class) traffic was 4.4 per cent higher in November compared to a year ago, economy travel was up 5.8 per cent in November year-on-year.

Premium travel within the Far East was the key driver of year-on-year growth in November, with the market 13.7 per cent higher than a year ago, it said.

A majority of the growth in premium travel was driven by demand within the Far East. This was marked by China's economic recovery and increased Asian trade growth which supported air travel in the region, the study said.

Improvements in Asia's economic backdrop have also offered support to demand for air travel segments that connect to the region.

The study said premium travel on Europe