Africa to gain biggest passenger growth in 2007

Emily Pacey

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Growth in passenger numbers next year is set to decline over the course of the year, according to the latest report from Air4casts.com

Global air passenger traffic growth will be 5.1% higher in 2007 than in 2006, according to the latest report from Air4casts.com. Traffic in Europe is set to rise by 5.3% next year, but the US is forecast to gain only 2.1% more passengers in 2007 compared with 2006.

The report incorporates forecast reductions from Airports Council International and the International Air Transport Association. The worst adjustments were made for North America and Latin America, where traffic growth is expected to be down by 2.1% and 2.9% respectively. The greatest gains are forecast in Africa, where traffic is set to rise by 7.6%, and in the Middle East, which may see an increase of 6.6%.

The global forecast for the first quarter of 2007 shows average global passenger growth of 6.4%. In the second quarter, growth is expected to be 5.9%, while in the third quarter it is likely to be 3.9%. In the fourth quarter growth of 4.7% is predicted.

The report stated: "The retail sector is suffering from the disparity of international carry-on regulations and, despite companies’ vigorous efforts, it seems unlikely that change will be in time to correct first quarter profit forecasts. Since the threat of terrorism will be an ever present feature of 2007 we can assume that the industry will be required to respond continually to disruptions, rule changes and the incompetent management of both."