Passenger demand rose 11.7 percent from a year earlier, while cargo demand was up 34.3 percent, the International Air Transport Association said.
IATA's 230 members include British Airways , Singapore Airlines and United Airlines .
"Demand rebounded strongly in May following the impact of the European volcanic ash fiasco in April. Passenger traffic is now 1 percent above pre-recession levels, while the freight market is 6 percent bigger," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's Director General.
European airlines recorded the weakest growth in passenger demand at 8.3 percent, while Latin American carriers recorded the fastest growth, with a 23.6 percent increase, IATA said.
Air cargo is seen as a leading indicator of the health of global trade. (Reuters)
