Middle East premium air travel increased at twice the global rate in 2013, figures released by the International Air Travel Association (IATA) show.
Business and first class air travel between the region and Africa soared 9.2 percent last year, followed by Europe at 8.9 percent and the Far East at 4.2 percent.
But the trend was rising at an even larger rate at the end of the year, with December recording a massive 13.4 percent increase in premium travel between the Middle East and Africa, as well as 9 percent for Europe and 8.6 percent to the Far East.
“Growth in premium traffic connected to the Middle East has been supported by a solid business environment in the region,” IATA spokesman Chris Goater told Arabian Business.
“Important economies like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been recording strong levels of business confidence and activity.
“Moreover, the UAE saw robust increases in export orders during 2013, reaching record highs in the second half of the year. This supported trade growth, and therefore also for business-related premium travel.
“In addition, the region has been benefitting as a hub for Europe-Asia Pacific premium travel.”
Globally, premium travel rose 4.2 percent during 2013. IATA said the growth was slower than in 2012 but had picked up again towards the end of the year, reflecting improvements in the business environment.
Much of the growth has been due to business confidence rising and signs of economic improvement in Europe and the US, IATA said.
Trade growth, particularly in Asia, also has contributed.
Follow us on
