Global passenger traffic is increasing, according to volume results from September.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported volumes were up by 5.5 per cent from the same month last year, while capacity improved by 5.3 per cent.

IATA director general and chief executive officer Tony Tyler said: "We are seeing a more positive environment for air travel demand, based on rising business confidence, a strong increase in export orders in September and better performance of key emerging markets like China."

Asia-Pacific airliners had the strongest growth, rising 8.5 per cent year-on-year with capacity 7.1 per cent bigger as well - IATA argues strong gross domestic product in China and a boost in Japan's economy have helped with these positive results.

European carriers, on the other hand, had an increase of 3.4 per cent for traffic volumes with capacity expanding by a similar 3.1 per cent. The organisation suggests a stable economy and growing manufacturing activity should help accelerate this throughout the rest of 2013.