Global air travel demand continued to recover in February on the back of stronger business optimism, particularly in emerging markets, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Wednesday. 

"Demand for air travel continues to rise on economic optimism and improved business confidence," IATA Chief Executive Tony Tylersaid in a statement. 

"Much of the growth is concentrated on emerging markets. Europe continues to be a laggard." 

Tyler said February's 3.7 percent growth rate masked the fact that passenger demand had been growing at an annualised rate of 9 percent since October, almost double the rate during the first nine months of 2012. 

IATA added that the industry load factor stood at a record high of 77.1 percent as a result of airlines carefully managing capacity expansion, helping to keep the industry profitable despite high oil prices. 

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