China Economic Review
Charting China’s changing economic terrain · Since 1990
Asian airlines selling premium seats
October 21, 2009
The International Air Transport Association states that Asian airlines are starting to sell more premium as well as economy seats, outperforming other regions where economic fears continue to weigh on travel.IATA said that increasing numbers of passengers were taking long-haul flights within Asia alongside the export-driven economic rebound that has put China and other countries on a steadier footing.
It said in its report, "The strongest rise in economic and business activity has been seen in the Asia-Pacific regions, where private sector balance sheets are less encumbered with debt and bad assets."
Reuters reports that IATA has said the global airline industry will lose $11 billion in 2009 as a result of the recession.