The airline industry enjoyed an increase in the demand for premium airline tickets. A 16.6 percent increase in ticket sales kept first class seats filled in June. The increase also covers sales for business class tickets.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said the increased number of passengers on premium airline seats shows a slow but steady economic recovery. Even the demand for economy seats have increased by 9.5 percent in the same month.

The rise in airline traffic was seen in Asian, Middle East, and South American markets. The premium revenue for the increase in the number of passengers for these markets is 40 percent.

The 230 members of the IATA expect airlines to gain $2.5 billion in 2010. The profit is against earlier predictions of a $2.8 billion loss this year. The grim expectations were caused by a 9 percent slowdown in airline traffic during the second quarter. The sluggish pace during this period could be attributed to the Icelandic ash cloud and post recession austerity measures. Public apprehensions on the economy continued to dampen leisure travel.

IATA, however, expected the slowdown after government-funded boosts disappear. American Airlines, Lufthansa, and China Southern Airlines are members of the 230 strong international airline group.