International passenger demand for flights soared by 9.3 per cent in November, new figures have indicated.

The statistics from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) suggest that demand growth reached an 18-month high in November, with average load factors also up by a significant proportion.

Regions such as the Asia Pacific, North America and Europe experienced "robust growth" during the month, while airlines in South America saw demand rise by 20.1 per cent.

"The global economy ended 2007 on a surprisingly strong note," commented Giovanni Bisignani, director-general and chief executive of the IATA.

Last month, the organisation revealed that the success of common-use self-service kiosks will be among the main factors driving airline efficiency through giving passengers control of their travel during 2008.

A number of airports and airlines now use such kiosks to allow passengers to check in without queuing up at carriers' desks, as well as for accessing information.

• Greece, Italy top affordability list
• Justtheflight.co.uk launches mobile world first
• Summer holidays begin for more than 2m Brits
• New online gap-year guide launched
• Newcastle Airport offers new shopping option
• Grand Canyon takes top spot on Brit 'bucket lists'
• Glasgow Airport begins skyhub countdown
• Hong Kong airport recognised as world's best
• Security 'a major benefit' of mobile travel
• Ras Al Khaimah expecting more visitors