KUALA LUMPUR (March 8): Global passenger traffic results for January 2019 showing traffic (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 6.5% year-on-year, according to The International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In a statement yesterday, IATA said this was the fastest growth in six months. January capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) rose 6.4%, and load factor inched up 0.1 percentage point to 79.6%.

IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said 2019  started on a positive note, with healthy passenger demand in line with the 10-year trend line.

“However, market signals are mixed, with indications of weakening business confidence in developed economies and a more nuanced picture across the developing world,” he said.