Airline executives expect improved results and a rebound in cargo volumes in the coming year, a “turning point” for a sector closely linked to economic trends, a survey released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed.

The survey indicated that confidence had grown markedly among major carriers in Asia, Europe and the Americas.

“This does look like a turning point,” IATA said of the quarterly business confidence poll.

A return to economic growth has begun to boost demand for air travel and shipments, with stable fuel prices further helping soothe nerves, the survey found.

“Over 73 per cent of airline CFOs said that profitability over the next 12 months will improve,” IATA said. “Almost three quarters of respondents now expect freight volumes to rise over the next year – up from just over half in the last survey.”