The number of passengers travelling in premium cabins on international markets grew by a solid 4.2 per cent last year, according to International Air Transport Association figures.
While that was a slowdown on 2012 - when the lucrative premium travel grew by 4.8 per cent - growth has picked up over recent months, reflecting improvements in the business environment.
In December, premium travel numbers were up by a strong 5.5 per cent on a year ago, in line with the November result of 5.4 per cent.
IATA said growth in premium travel had been supported by positive developments in the business environment in the second half of 2013 and business confidence has been on the rise , with Europe and the United States both showing signs of economic improvement.
