According to June statistics released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Wednesday international passenger demand showed continued growth with passenger traffic up 11.9 percent in June 2010 over the same period in 2009. During the same period, freight traffic showed a 26.5 percent improvement, according to international scheduled traffic statistics for June that showed continued strong demand growth as the industry recovered from the impact of the global financial crisis.

IATA statistics show a capacity increased only slightly above demand improvements during the month, keeping load factors in line with historical highs at 79.8 percent for passenger traffic and 53.8 percent for freight.

“The industry continues to recover faster than expected, but with sharp regional differences. Europe is recovering at half the speed of Asia with passenger growth of 7.8 percent compared to the 15.5percent growth in Asia-Pacific,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Outside of Europe, all regions reported double-digit growth in passenger traffic. “The question is how long the industry can maintain the double-digit momentum. Business confidence remains high and there is no indication that the recovery will stall any time soon. But, with government stimulus packages tailing off and restocking largely completed, we do expect some slowing over the months ahead,” said Bisignani.

After a dip in April due to the volcanic ash crisis centered in Europe, international passenger demand has returned to its upward trend. Passenger volumes are now 1-2 percent above the pre-recession peak in the first quarter of 2008.

Asia-Pacific carriers recorded the most significant demand improvement at 15.5 percent. China continues to be the region’s growth engine.

North American carriers posted growth of 10.8 percent, comparable to the 10.9 percent recorded for May 2010. Strong growth and the industry-leading load factor of 86.6 percent are contributing to strong second quarter financial results being announced by the region’s carriers.

European carriers reported 7.8 percent growth, down slightly from the 8.3 percent recorded in May. While annualized growth of 6.2 percent is in line with the industry average, it is clear that the recovery in Europe is lagging behind the rest of the world.

African carriers posted a 21.3 percent increase in traffic in June, positively impacted by activities surrounding the FIFA World Cup.

International freight demand grew 26.5 percent in June 2010, down from the 34.0 percent recorded in May 2010. May was exceptionally high as some interrupted traffic from April’s ash crisis shifted to May. Volumes remain 6 percent above the pre-recession peak in early 2008.

Freight demand continues to follow economic recovery and trade patterns with airlines in Asia-Pacific (+29.8 percent), Middle East (+39.6 percent), Latin America (+44.9 percent) and Africa (+54.0 percent) growing the fastest.

“We remain cautiously optimistic. A clear indication of the growing confidence is the over 400 aircraft orders announced at the Farnborough International Airshow. This is good news that will bring environmental benefits through improved fuel efficiency. But it will also make the challenge of matching capacity to demand much more difficult,” said Bisignani.