Trans-Atlantic revenue grew by 7% and Trans-Pacific sales by 14% amongst leading US airlines in March, according to the Air Transport Association of America (ATA), while total passenger revenue rose by 13% compared to the same month in 2010.

Significantly, this marks the 15th consecutive month of revenue growth for the US’ leading carriers, says ATA.

ATA Vice President and Chief Economist John Heimlich said: “Higher levels of spending on air travel in March are a solid indicator of expanding economies in the United States and abroad. 

“However, the revenue growth experienced in the first quarter has not been sufficient to keep pace with higher jet fuel costs, which have risen more than 30 per cent from a year ago. The airline industry remains concerned about a possible slowdown in demand induced by rising energy prices across the economy.”

US domestic revenue – accounting for the vast majority of ATA member airlines’ earnings – grew by 12.5% in March.