Total scheduled passenger traffic of the world's airlines is expected to grow about 6 per cent this year, 7 per cent next year and 6.5 per cent in 1998, according to forecasts prepared by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Total international and domestic scheduled passenger traffic generated by the airlines of ICAO members, estimated at 2.23 billion passenger-kilometres last year, is expected to rise to about 2.36 billion this year, 2.53 billion next year and 2.7 billion in 1998. Asia-Pacific airlines are expected to continue to have the highest growth rate. Passenger traffic in Africa, Middle East and Latin America-Caribbean is expected to grow above the world average. European airlines are expected to show improved passenger traffic growth due to better conditions in the European Union and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Passenger traffic growth of North American airlines is expected to remain steady about 4 per cent.
