Growth in passenger traffic slows in 2006

International airline passenger traffic grew 5.9% in 2006, slower than the 7.6% growth seen in 2005, the International Air Transport Assn. said.

But the industry’s operating profit rose to $10.2 billion in 2006 from $4.3 billion the previous year, and its overall estimated net loss narrowed to $500 million from $3.2 billion, the Geneva-based organization said in a statement.

Airline freight traffic growth increased to 4.6% in 2006 from 3.2% previously, it said.