Euro airlines enjoy 4.3% traffic rise

European airlines saw its international traffic rise 4.3% during a week in October this year compared to October 2002.

The Association of European Airlines said traffic to Asia and Australia rose 1.9% over the same period in 2002 despite the SARS virus contributing to 34 consecutive weeks of traffic loss earlier in the year.

Traffic to North Atlantic routes rose 3.3% albeit from a low baseline, the AEA said.

Meanwhile, airplane manufacturer Boeing has reported a 31% drop in net profit to $256m in Q3.

The company blamed a downturn in commercial aviation and its decision to halt production work in 2004 for the slump.

The sale of military aircraft continued to perform strongly, according to the firm.