Process for the production of olefins

A process for the production of an olefin from a hydrocarbon, which process comprises: partially combusting the hydrocarbon and an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst, characterised in that the catalyst comprises platinum and at least one further metal, said further metal being a Group IIIA, Group IVA, VA or a transition metal; wherein said catalyst is: a) not a platinum catalyst consisting essentially of platinum modified with Sn, Cu or mixtures thereof, and b) not a platinum catalyst consisting essentially of platinum modified with Sb or a mixture of Sb and Sn.