Premium travel outlook more positive

THE demand for premium seats in international markets appears to be stabilising with the number of travellers in premium cabins growing at a sharper 3.8 per cent globally in April, compared to just 1.9 per cent a month earlier.

"The outlook for premium travel markets is broadly positive," said the International Air Transport Association (Iata) in its latest premium traffic monitor.

"Global business confidence continues to signal economic growth, and May data suggests that conditions could be picking up after a slowdown in Q1. In particular, improvements in advanced economies will help sustain growth in premium travel ahead, as should easing downward pressure from emerging markets like China."