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Passenger Growth Hits 5% in May

01 July 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for May 2025 global passenger demand with the following highlights: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 5.0% compared to May 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was also ......Read More

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

May Air Cargo Demand Up 2.2% Despite Trade Disruptions

30 June 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for May 2025 global air cargo markets showing: Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 2.2% compared to May 2024 levels (+3.0% for international operations). Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers ......Read More

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

EASA and IATA publish comprehensive plan to mitigate risks of GNSS interference

18 June 2025 (Cologne) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have published a comprehensive plan to mitigate the risks stemming from global navigation satellite system (GNNS) interference. The plan was part of the conclusions of a jointly-hosted workshop on the topic of GNSS interference. Given the continued rise in frequency of incidents of interference with GNSS signals, the workshop concluded that a broader and more coordinated approach is needed — focusing on four key areas: improved information gathering, stronger prevention and mitigation measures, more effective use of infrastructure and airspace ......Read More

Thursday, June 19, 2025

EGYPTAIR discloses order for an additional six Airbus A350 aircraft

Paris, France, 18 June 2025 – EGYPTAIR has disclosed a firm order for an additional six A350-900s as part of its expansion strategy to meet growing demand for air travel. The agreement takes the airline’s total order for the type to 16 A350-900. “We are continuously working to modernise our fleet and deliver a more ......Read More

Thursday, June 19, 2025
Riyadh Air places firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft

Paris, France, 16 June 2025 – Riyadh Air, the new premium international airline based in Saudi Arabia, has placed a firm order for 25 A350-1000 aircraft. The agreement, which can potentially increase to 50 A350-1000 was signed at the Paris Air Show, with the ceremony attended by H.E Yasir Al-Rumayyan, The Governor of Saudi Arabia's ......Read More

Monday, June 16, 2025

AviLease orders Airbus A350F freighters and A320neo Family aircraft

Paris, France, 16 June 2025 – AviLease, the global aircraft lessor headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has announced an initial order for 10 A350F freighters and 30 A320neo Family aircraft. The agreement which also foresees a future increase to 22 A350F freighters and 55 A320neo Family aircraft was signed at the 2025 ......Read More

Monday, June 16, 2025

WTM London 2025 Conference Programme: One Vision, Six Tracks — Call for Content Now Live

11 June 2025: WTM London 2025 has announced that this year's conference programme will be shaped around the theme "Reimagining Travel in a Changing World". In 2025, for the first time, WTM London are introducing a unified theme across all six conference tracks to maintain focus and enhance clarity throughout the event. While ......Read More

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Middle East – AGM Highlights

Middle East Market Performance – Year to Date Year to Date demand for Middle East, which compares January to April 2025 with January to April 2024, was up 6% in line with global average. The YTD cargo performance for Middle East reflects same challenges – down 5.3% Middle East passenger numbers will double, reaching 530 million in 2043 Middle East passenger numbers will double, reaching 530 million in 2043 Traffic will grow at an average annual rate of 3.9% over the 2023 – 2043 period MEAN Safety Global Overview: The global accident rate in 2024 was 1.13 per million sectors, up from 1.09 in 2023. That means just over one accident for ......Read More

Monday, June 2, 2025
Airline Profitability to Strengthen Slightly in 2025 Despite Headwinds

2 June 2025 (New Delhi) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced updates to its 2025 airline industry financial outlook, showing improved profitability over 2024 and resilience in the face of global economic and political shifts. Highlights from the expected 2025 financial performance include: Net profits at $36.0 billion, improved from the $32.4 billion earned in 2024, but slightly down on the previously projected $36.6 billion (December 2024). Net profit margin at 3.7%, improved from the 3.4% earned in 2024 and the previously projected 3.6%. Return on invested capital at 6.7%, improved from the 6.6% earned in 2024 ......Read More

Monday, June 2, 2025

Luis Gallego Chairs IATA Board

2 June 2025 (New Delhi) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), has assumed his duties as Chair of the IATA Board. His one-year term began at the conclusion of the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, India, on 2 June 2025. Gallego is the 83rd Chair of the IATA Board on which he has served since 2018. Gallego succeeds IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, who will continue to serve on the Board. "I am honored to be taking up the position of Chair of the IATA Board. The airline industry faces significant challenges—accelerating environmental action, managing geopolitical shifts and supply ......Read More

Monday, June 2, 2025

Air Cargo Demand up 5.8% in April

29 May 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for April 2025 global air cargo markets showing: Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 5.8% compared to April 2024 levels (+6.5% for international operations). Capacity, measured in available cargo ......Read More

Thursday, May 29, 2025

New satellite connectivity service keeps airports online

SITA Managed Satellites delivers reliable, secure communication in over 130 countries, even during blackouts and emergencies GENEVA – 27 May 2025 – In an industry where every second of downtime can disrupt passengers and delay operations, a new satellite service is helping airports and airlines stay connected, no matter what. ......Read More

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Airbus delivers first A321neo for Kuwait Airways

Toulouse, France, 14 May 2025 – Airbus has delivered the first A321neo to Kuwait Airways, the national carrier of the State of Kuwait. The delivery marks the first of nine A321neo aircraft on order with the airline and is part of Kuwait Airways’ transformation strategy, which includes fleet modernisation to drive ......Read More

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Ground Handling Priorities: Safety, Baggage, Global Standards and Sustainability

13 May 2025 (Nairobi) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlighted four priorities for ground handling at the IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) which opened in Nairobi today hosted by Kenya Airways: Embedding safety in every action Driving global standardization Enhancing baggage operations Building a sustainable and inclusive future “Ground handling is essential for aviation. It ensures safety, enables efficiency, and shapes the passenger experience. As the complexity of today’s operating environment increases—tighter turnarounds, regulatory pressure, and the drive to decarbonize—the industry must come together to ......Read More

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Air Cargo Demand Grows 4.4% in March

29 April 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for March 2025 global air cargo markets showing: Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 4.4% compared to March 2024 levels (+5.5% for international operations), a historic peak for March. Capacity, ......Read More

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Emirates and Kuwait Airways ink interline agreement to strengthen travel options to the airline's ne ...

Dubai, UAE 28 April 2025: Kuwait Airways and Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an interline agreement, offering passengers increased flight options to Dubai and beyond. The MoU was signed at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, reflecting a step forward in strengthening cooperation between the two ......Read More

Monday, April 28, 2025
IATA Launches Information Portal for Live Animal Regulations

16 April 2025 (Dubai) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched LAR Verify, a digital portal to improve the welfare and safe transport of live animals by air. Using LAR Verify, airlines, shippers and freight forwarders can access accurate operator and destination-specific requirements as defined by the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR). The regulations have formed the basis for the worldwide transport of live animals by air for more than 50 years. The new portal offers an automated compliance solution for live animal shipments, streamlining planning, booking, acceptance and handling. IATA data shows that there were close to ......Read More

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

IATA Launches FACE Ambassadors Program to Attract Next Generation of Air Cargo Talent

15 April 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the FACE Ambassadors Program, a new initiative under the Future Air Cargo Executives (FACE) Program, aimed at promoting air cargo career opportunities to a broader and younger audience worldwide. The FACE Ambassadors will play a key role in extending the reach of the initiative by: Leading regional and local outreach initiatives, including community engagement and educational partnerships, to expand awareness of air cargo career opportunities Serving as industry advocates by sharing their professional journeys and insights, with the goal of inspiring, mentoring, and guiding ......Read More

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Kuwait Airways and Ooredoo Kuwait Partner to Redefine In-Flight Entertainment with the integration o ...

A Strategic Partnership Aimed at Showcasing Kuwaiti Media Legacy on a Global Stage Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Alfagaan:“Partnerships with the private sector is considered the core of advancing our national carrier’s initiatives.” Abdulaziz Al-Babtain: “We’ve demonstrated our ability to seamlessly integrate technology and media, creating a national model that’s worth emulating.” Saad Al-Azmi: “Bringing this content onboard is a testament to the powerful collaboration between the public and private sectors.” In alignment with the State of Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public-private sector cooperation and advance ......Read More

Monday, April 14, 2025

IATA Aviation Day MENA to Focus on Collaboration, Innovation and Harmonization

9 April 2025 (Amman) -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that IATA Aviation Day Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will focus on digitalization, airspace management, sustainability, modern airline retailing and future skills. The event will take place in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 6-7 May 2025, hosted by Saudia. “Aviation is a catalyst for economic and social development —boosting trade, driving tourism and creating jobs. Economies and societies across the MENA region are benefitting from the fast pace of growth which will see a doubling of passenger traffic by 2040. The region can maximize the impact of this potential ......Read More

Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Sita and nec collaborate to drive global adoption of digital identities in travel

NEC joins SITA’s Digital Travel Ecosystem to address interoperability challenges and accelerate industry-wide adoption of digital identity technology GENEVA AND TOKYO – 7 April 2025 – SITA, the global leader in air transport technology and border management, and NEC Corporation (NEC), a global leader in biometric authentication technologies, have signed an agreement to accelerate the adoption of digital identity technology in the travel industry. Through this collaboration, NEC joins SITA’s Digital Travel Ecosystem, an open, interoperable framework that connects various systems for real-time digital identity verification. Developed in partnership with Indicio, ......Read More

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

IATA's Contactless Travel Directory Eases Airline Access to Biometric Services

7 April 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its Contactless Travel Directory to help quickly scale and increase adoption of contactless travel solutions. The Directory will power a matchmaking service to help airlines identify and offer contactless travel at specific airports, including with their partner airlines. Contactless travel uses interoperable biometric solutions to enable travelers to move through the travel process without relying on paper documentation such as passports or boarding passes. Parts of the travel process that could be made more efficient with contactless travel include bag drop, lounge access, security access, ......Read More

Monday, April 7, 2025

SAF Registry Goes Live

03 April 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry with its release to the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO). The Registry, now live under CADO management, will enable a global market for SAF that will accelerate the transition to net zero emissions by 2050. “Aviation’s decarbonization is a team effort. In releasing the SAF Registry to CADO for launch, we have put in place a critical platform for the benefit of all stakeholders. It ensures that all airlines in the world have access to SAF and that their SAF purchases can be claimed against any ......Read More

Thursday, April 3, 2025

IATA Ground Handling Conference 2025 to Focus on People, Processes and Performance

02 April 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) will focus on the need to modernize operations, invest in workforce development, and strengthen coordination and collaboration to improve performance. “Ground handling is critical for the safety, efficiency and resilience of the entire aviation industry. The key word we will focus on at this year’s IGHC is “elevate”. We’ll be looking for ways to drive better performance in the ground handling sector. That means modernizing operations, investing in the workforce, and strengthening coordination and collaboration so ......Read More

Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Air Cargo Demand Declines Slightly in February

02 April 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for February 2025 global air cargo markets showing: Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), declined by 0.1% compared to February 2024 levels (+0.4% for international operations). This marks the first decline since mid-2023. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), decreased by 0.4% compared to February 2024 (+1.1% for international operations). * Year-on-year comparisons are affected by the extra day in February 2024 due to the leap year. “February saw a small contraction in air cargo demand, the first year-on-year ......Read More

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

SAF Registry to be Operated by the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization

25 March 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has established the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO) to manage the IATA-developed Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry when it is released. “CADO will turbo-charge the imminent launch of the IATA-developed SAF Registry. Its mandate is to manage the SAF Registry as a separate entity from IATA with an open and global approach that supports the scrutiny needed to build trust among all stakeholders. In fact, the door is open for any stakeholder in the SAF value chain, including governments, to join CADO. This inclusive approach should also be a force for the harmonization of the ......Read More

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

IATA Welcomes Morocco's 'Airports 2030 Strategy'

18 March 2025 (Amman) -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomes the Kingdom of Morocco's 'Airports 2030 Strategy' aimed at modernizing airport infrastructure, enhancing the passenger experience, and further strengthening the country's position as a major global and regional aviation hub. Aviation is a key pillar of Morocco's economy. In 2023, aviation (including aviation-related tourism) supported 856,000 jobs and contributed 7.9% ($11.2 billion) to the Moroccan economy. Additionally, 93% of passengers departing Morocco airports (11.7 million) were bound for international destinations. The country also handled some 77,900 tonnes of air ......Read More

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

IATA World Cargo Symposium 2025: Navigating Geopolitical Shifts with Technology & Innovation

06 March 2025 (Geneva) -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 2025 World Cargo Symposium (WCS) will focus on digitalization, sustainability and safety/security as the key issues in helping the global air cargo industry as it adapts to unfolding geopolitical shifts. "Air cargo demonstrated its resilience in adapting to the post-pandemic world. In 2024, more cargo was transported by air than ever before. But the world is moving at an even faster pace with technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, evolving risks, and changing customer needs. At WCS in Dubai, we’ll collectively take stock of what’s next for air ......Read More

Thursday, March 6, 2025
Recording a Profit from Main Operations of 2.4 billion USD in 2024, Turkish Airlines shares its succ ...

Outperforming industry averages in capacity, passenger numbers, and profitability over the past 20 years, Turkish Airlines reported a Profit from Main Operations of 2.4 billion USD in 2024 despite global geopolitical and economic tensions, bottlenecks in aircraft production, and engine issues. Accordingly, our Company maintained its consistent ......Read More

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

IATA Releases 2024 Safety Report

26 February 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its 2024 Annual Safety Report. The industry delivered another year of strong overall performance on safety including showing improvements on the five-year average for several key parameters, but it took a step back from an exceptional performance in 2023. The all-accident rate of 1.13 per million flights (one accident per 880,000 flights) was better than the five-year average of 1.25 but worse than the 1.09 recorded in 2023. There were seven fatal accidents in 2024, among 40.6 million flights. That is higher than the single fatal accident recorded in 2023 and the ......Read More

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Nominations Open for 2025 IATA's Diversity and Inclusion Awards

23 February 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) opened nominations for the sixth edition of the IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards. Nominations are welcome from individuals and organizations advancing diversity and inclusion in the aviation sector. The Awards categories include: The Inspirational Role Model Award recognizes a woman holding a senior position within the air transport industry who has had substantial impact on diversity and inclusion in aviation through her significant influence at global level. The High Flyer Award recognizes a female aviation professional under the age of 40 who has demonstrated ......Read More

Sunday, February 23, 2025

IATA Releases Updated 2025 Manuals Reflecting Latest Industry Standards

03 February 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the 2025 edition of key industry manuals for cargo and ground handling operations, which incorporate over 350 changes and revisions needed to align with evolving industry standards and state and operator variations. Highlights include: Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Ten additional new dangerous goods, such as sodium-ion batteries and fire suppressant dispersing devices. Three new entries for battery powered vehicles, depending on the type of battery providing the power. Additional safety mitigation is being introduced with the “State of Charge” at which ......Read More

Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Global Air Passenger Demand Reaches Record High in 2024

Here are three videos featuring Willie Walsh discussing the results for the Middle East and Africa regions, as well as the overall global results 31 January 2025– The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released 2024 full-year and December 2024 passenger market performance showing record high demand. Total full-year traffic in 2024 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 10.4% compared to 2023. This was 3.8% above pre-pandemic (2019) levels. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 8.7% in 2024. The overall load factor reached 83.5%, a record for full-year traffic. International full-year traffic in 2024 increased 13.6% ......Read More

Friday, January 31, 2025

Global Air Cargo Demand Achieves Record Growth in 2024

30 January 2025 (Geneva) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for full year 2024 and December 2024 global air cargo market performance showing: Full-year demand for 2024, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased 11.3% (12.2% for international operations) compared to 2023. Full-year 2024 ......Read More

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Inaugural World Data Symposium to Take Place in Dublin, Ireland

23 January 2025 (Geneva) –The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will launch the inaugural IATA World Data Symposium (WDS) in Dublin, Ireland on 26-27 February. Hosted by Aer Lingus and held under the theme of “Digital skies, unleashing the power of Data in Aviation,” the event will gather experts to discuss topics around data, technology, and cybersecurity. Within these dedicated tracks, the symposium will explore the role of industry leaders in benefitting from cutting-edge data analytics and insights to support decision making; and the impact on aviation of the powerful capabilities that AI is enabling. “By convening ......Read More

Thursday, January 23, 2025

IATA Follows Successful Guyana CORSIA EEU Procurement Event with Second Event in Q1

22 January 2025 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced its intention to hold regular procurement events in 2025 for airlines to purchase Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs). This followed the successful conclusion of IATA’s first procurement event with the following highlights: · 32 airlines ......Read More

Wednesday, January 22, 2025
VFS Global's new Indonesia e-Visa on Arrival official platform goes live for 97 nationalities, inclu ...

Travellers applying through this platform can now skip the immigration queue at all international airports and sea ports including Bali and Jakarta Dedicated website https://indonesiavoa.vfsevisa.id/ to complete the Indonesia e-VoA application Simple to use end-to-end online platform accessible from desktop and ......Read More

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Airlines Oppose UK ETA Price Hike

19 January 2025 (Geneva) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) opposes the UK Home Office proposal to increase the costs of UK Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) by 60% to GBP 16. Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, commented as follows: “Proposing to increase ETA costs just a week after the system was introduced is bewildering. If implemented it would be a self-inflicted blow to the UK’s tourism competitiveness. In November the government laid out plans to increase tourist arrivals by 30% to reach 50 million annually by 2030 in pursuit of tourism’s economic benefits. Gouging these travelers with a 60% increase in the ETA is a ......Read More

Monday, January 20, 2025

SalamAir Releases 4th Quarter (Q4) On-Time Performance Data

SalamAir, Oman’s Low Fare Airline, today released its On-Time Performance (OTP) for the 4th Quarter of 2024. OTP is a measurement of how often an airline is on time and is a good measure of the ability of the airline to meet its commitment to punctuality to its customers. In the 4th Quarter (October, November, and December), ......Read More

Monday, January 13, 2025

Air Cargo Demand up 8.2% in November 2024 - 16th Month of Consecutive Growth

09 January 2025 (Geneva) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for November 2024 global air cargo markets showing: Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 8.2% compared to November 2023 levels (9.5% for international operations) for a 16th consecutive month of growth. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 4.6% compared to November 2023 (6.5% for international operations). "It was a good November for air cargo with 8.2% demand growth nearly doubling the 4.6% growth in cargo capacity. Fuel costs tracked at 22% below previous-year levels and tight market conditions supported yield ......Read More

Monday, January 13, 2025

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Passenger Growth Hits 5% in May

May Air Cargo Demand Up 2.2% Despite Trade Disruptions

EASA and IATA publish comprehensive plan to mitigate risks of GNSS interference

EGYPTAIR discloses order for an additional six Airbus A350 aircraft

Riyadh Air places firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft

AviLease orders Airbus A350F freighters and A320neo Family aircraft

WTM London 2025 Conference Programme: One Vision, Six Tracks — Call for Content Now Live

Middle East – AGM Highlights

Airline Profitability to Strengthen Slightly in 2025 Despite Headwinds

Luis Gallego Chairs IATA Board

Air Cargo Demand up 5.8% in April

New satellite connectivity service keeps airports online

Airbus delivers first A321neo for Kuwait Airways

Ground Handling Priorities: Safety, Baggage, Global Standards and Sustainability

Air Cargo Demand Grows 4.4% in March

Emirates and Kuwait Airways ink interline agreement to strengthen travel options to the airline's ne ...

IATA Launches Information Portal for Live Animal Regulations

IATA Launches FACE Ambassadors Program to Attract Next Generation of Air Cargo Talent

Kuwait Airways and Ooredoo Kuwait Partner to Redefine In-Flight Entertainment with the integration o ...

IATA Aviation Day MENA to Focus on Collaboration, Innovation and Harmonization

Sita and nec collaborate to drive global adoption of digital identities in travel

IATA's Contactless Travel Directory Eases Airline Access to Biometric Services

SAF Registry Goes Live

IATA Ground Handling Conference 2025 to Focus on People, Processes and Performance

Air Cargo Demand Declines Slightly in February

SAF Registry to be Operated by the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization

IATA Welcomes Morocco's 'Airports 2030 Strategy'

IATA World Cargo Symposium 2025: Navigating Geopolitical Shifts with Technology & Innovation

Recording a Profit from Main Operations of 2.4 billion USD in 2024, Turkish Airlines shares its succ ...

IATA Releases 2024 Safety Report

Nominations Open for 2025 IATA's Diversity and Inclusion Awards

IATA Releases Updated 2025 Manuals Reflecting Latest Industry Standards

Global Air Passenger Demand Reaches Record High in 2024

Global Air Cargo Demand Achieves Record Growth in 2024

Inaugural World Data Symposium to Take Place in Dublin, Ireland

IATA Follows Successful Guyana CORSIA EEU Procurement Event with Second Event in Q1

VFS Global's new Indonesia e-Visa on Arrival official platform goes live for 97 nationalities, inclu ...

Airlines Oppose UK ETA Price Hike

SalamAir Releases 4th Quarter (Q4) On-Time Performance Data

Air Cargo Demand up 8.2% in November 2024 - 16th Month of Consecutive Growth