International premium traffic, fares steady in Q1, IATA says

The share of traffic and revenue coming from international premium passengers held steady in Q1 compared to year-ago figures despite apparent sluggishness in the key North Atlantic and Europe-Asia markets, IATA said. Premium-class passengers accounted for 5.5% of total international origin-destination traffic for the first three months of the year, matching 2017’s first quarter. Premium passengers generated 30.6% of international revenue during the quarter, down 0.5% year-over-year. The North Atlantic, which is traditionally weak during Q1 compared to the summer season, saw premium-fare growth lagging slightly behind the economy-fare growth pace, IATA said. Premium passenger growth was even further behind its economy-class counterpart. The Europe-Asia market delivered similar results, but with smaller margins between the two classes.<br/>