RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (BDCi) – Demand for flights in Brazil rose 5.3 percent in April compared to the same month last year, according to results released by the country’s National Aviation Agency (ANAC).
Airlines have more than matched the increased demand, however, with the number of available seats jumping 7.3 percent compared to April 2011.
Both the demand and number of available seats have reached the highest levels since the current form of reporting was initiated in 2000.
Over the year there has been a 10.3 percent jump in the number of available seats offered by airlines on domestic Brazil flights and 6.8 percent increase in demand.
The rise of domestic tourism has been a noted trend in Brazil and is a result of higher wages and a growing middle class.
Yet, the demand for international flights was down 1.5 percent in April compared to the same month in 2011, a sign of the continuing global economic crisis.
By: Natania Levine Courtesy: riotimesonline.com Photo: riotimesonline.com 29 May 2012
8:49 a.m. P.D.T