International air travel experienced a year-on-year rise in capacity of 4.6 percent in October with Latin American carriers experiencing worldwide leading growth of 10.4 percent for the month.

Despite growth in line with upward trends, load factor for global air travel fell from 79.5 percent in 2010 to 77.6 percent this year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

North America was the only region to experience a decline in passenger numbers, with a fall of 1.9 percent, while Europe welcomed a year-on-year increase of 6.4 percent in October.

Asia Pacific recorded 3.8 percent growth, while Middle Eastern and African airlines saw growth of 7.7 percent and 5.9 percent respectively.

Domestic air travel for the month rose by two percent compared to the year before; however, IATA stressed it was ¡°well below¡± the eight percent growth experience prior to the recession.

¡°As we enter the year-end period, we are reminded of the vital role that aviation plays in our globalized world,¡± IATA chief executive Tony Tyler said. ?

¡°Families and friends will reunite. Holiday gifts will be exchanged across countries and continents. Valuable tourism dollars will be spent in every corner of the planet.