The number of airline passengers flying in premium cabins worldwide in July increased nearly 14 percent, the eighth consecutive month of such growth, but a lower year-over-year rate than in May and June

, according to the International Air Transport Association. "Clearly business travel still has considerable momentum, despite the economic uncertainties in western economies," IATA wrote. "Indicators such as world trade and business confidence eased in July but remain positive, supporting the expansion of the premium market."