International air freight demand grew five percent in September, down from six percent in August, but still well above the weak levels of growth seen in the first half of 2007.
Giovanni Bisignani, director-general and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), said growth for the year-to-date has improved to four percent.
Asia Pacific at seven percent growth continues to drive the global improvement. Demand rose 8.2 percent in the Middle East after a sharp fall in August (3.5 percent), although below the double-digit levels seen over the last two years.
Africa freight demand contracted by 10.4 percent continuing a five-month downturn due to a fall in demand in southern Africa.
ˇ°Traffic demand remains strong despite the financial instability seen in recent months,ˇ± said Bisignani.
ˇ°But it is still early days. Corporations ¨C particularly the financial service sector ¨C adjusting travel budgets could impact premium traffic.
"And fuel prices rising to new record levels will add more pressure on efficiency. So there can be no let-up in the imperative to keep costs down and planes full.ˇ± |
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Source: cargonewsasia
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