The International Air Transport Association says world airlines are showing their first year-on-year fall in profits since mid-2009, despite improving profits in Europe.

Geneva-based IATA said Wednesday that early results for the second quarter 2011 show global airlines posting US$1.04 billion in net profits, a big drop from last year's US$2.88 billion.

The airlines industry group blames a surge in jet fuel prices, stagnant air freight markets and fewer non-U.S. passengers than before the global recession.

It said Asian airlines seem to be under the most pressure while European airlines improved operating profits - in part because they compare with last year, when volcanic ash from an Icelandic volcano brought much of Europe's air traffic to a standstill.