GENEVA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said Monday that global passenger traffic data for August showed that demand climbed 6.4 percent compared to same period a year ago, the highest for any month since at least 1990.
This was slightly above the 6.1 percent annual increase for July.
"The industry experienced continued strong traffic growth in August, putting the cap on a very good peak travel season," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's director general and chief executive officer.
International passenger demand rose 5.6 percent over August 2017.
All regions recorded increases, led by airlines in the Asia-Pacific region, said IATA.
"The all-time record load factor reflects that airlines are maximizing the efficiency of their assets at a time of rising fuel prices and other costs that are limiting the opportunities for low fare stimulation," said de Juniac.
Asia-Pacific airlines' August traffic gained by 7.5 percent compared to a year earlier.
IATA said the upward trend in passenger traffic remains very strong, supported by structural changes, including ongoing rises in living standards in the region, as well as more route options for passengers, helping stimulate demand.
Indian airlines achieved their 48th consecutive month of double-digit domestic traffic growth as demand rose 22.6 percent.
In China, airlines' domestic traffic climbed 14.9 percent in August, a four-month high.
"In both China and India, huge demand increases are being supported by rising living standards and large increases in the number of flight choices," said IATA.
European carriers saw August demand climb 5.1 percent year-on-year.
IATA said European demand is being affected by mixed signs on the economy as well as possible disruptions from air traffic control strikes.
North American airlines' international demand rose 3.7 percent compared to August a year ago.
