KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 5): Global passenger traffic for October 2014 strengthened in demand both month-on-month and year-on-year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In a statement Dec 4, the IATA said total revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) rose 5.7% over October 2013, slightly ahead of the 5.2% year-on-year rise recorded in September 2014.

It said October capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) increased by 5.5%, causing load factor to rise 0.1 percentage points to 79.1%.

IATA director general and CEO Tony Tyler said that against a backdrop of economic weakness in some regions, October traffic results show demand for connectivity remains strong on a global basis.

“With 2014 drawing to a close, the outlook for air travel remains largely positive. Improvements in economies in Asia-Pacific and the US are offsetting weakness in the Eurozone and China.

“The fall in oil prices, if sustained, could provide a much-needed operating cushion. But there are risks which must also be accounted for—including the proliferation of political instability,” he said.