Cargo, which closely tracks trends in the economy, saw a 2.1 percent rise in traffic on 11.8 percent lower capacity.

The load factor -- or proportion of available space sold in passenger jet cargo holds and dedicated freighters -- rose by 9.9 percentage points to 72.5 percent.

Air France said its unit revenues were clearly above those of March 2009 but remained below the level of March 2008.

The figures came after industry association IATA said last week airlines were climbing out of recession. (Reuters)