Premium air travel increased 4.1% in February compared to the same period last year but down from 6.1% in January, according to IATA’s February Premium Traffic Monitor.
IATA cited weakening output in China as a significant factor for the slowing down of premium air traffic.
“Although the demand backdrop for premium traffic remains broadly positive, rates of improvements in business conditions have slowed,” IATA said.
The study also showed February's strongest premium traffic growth was on Africa-Middle East routes (up 12.6 per cent), Middle East-Far East routes (up 10.2 per cent), Europe-Far East routes (up 8.6 per cent), North America-Central America routes (up 8.5 per cent) and South Pacific routes (up 7.6 per cent).
Three routes declined: Africa-Far East (down 10.7 per cent), routes within Africa (down 7.5 per cent) and routes within South America (down 1.7 per cent).
Economy passenger travel grew 2.7 per cent.