Monday, October 13, 2014

Global air freight markets showed continued robust growth in air cargo volumes in August, according to the latest data from The International Air Transport Association (IATA). Measured by freight-tonne-kilometers (FTKs), volumes rose 5.1% in August 2014, compared to August 2013, while capacity grew at a slower pace of 3.4% from the previous year. This is the second consecutive strong month for cargo volumes, following the 6.1% year-on-year rise recorded in July.
“The outlook for air cargo is clearly getting better. However, there are some limiting factors on the extent of potential gains. Demand for air cargo is growing more slowly than global economic activity,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s director general and CEO. “Businesses are reported to have more confidence in the future, but the list of political and economic risks continues to moderate how that confidence translates into actual activity.”
Carriers in all regions reported an expansion in volumes. African airlines led the pack with the strongest growth of air cargo demand – 9.2% year-on-year – with capacity growth of 4.2%. Although this is the second consecutive month of strong growth, the volatility of African data, coupled with the slowdown in key African economies such as South Africa, IATA said it is too soon to understand the extent to which this represents a real and sustainable acceleration.
Middle Eastern carriers enjoyed cargo growth of 7.8%, although the pace was a little below the year-to-date average of 9.6%. The Middle East continues to expand strongly on its growing links to developing markets, as well as diversifying into important commodities such as perishables. Capacity was up 6.0%.
Asia Pacific carriers grew 6.3% and capacity expanded by 4.4%, continuing the acceleration of recent months. Emerging Asia trade volumes have expanded volumes solidly in June and July. A notable rise in Chinese export orders bodes well for future demand growth, IATA said.
North American carriers increased air freight volumes by a solid 5.5% compared to a year ago. A rebound in business activity following the weakness in the first quarter and positive underlying economic growth trends should support stronger growth in the coming months, IATA said. Capacity, however, fell slightly, by 0.4%.
European airlines grew by just 1.4%, while capacity expanded by 4.8%. Economic activity within the Eurozone continues to deteriorate, IATA noted, although the latest data does show a moderate pick-up in imports and exports. EU sanctions as a result of the Russia-Ukraine crisis also continue to affect demand, the group added.
Latin American airlines saw air cargo grow by a sluggish 1.1%, compared to August 2013, while capacity rose sharply to 7.6%. The weakness in Latin American freight volumes reflects declines in regional trade activity and the anemic performance of the Brazilian economy, IATA concluded.

Source : http://www.wcainterglobal.com/eng/news.asp?id=951

Sunday, October 12, 2014

The Sino-International Freight Forwarders Conference celebrates its 11th anniversary, and the 2014 event opens up even greater opportunities for delegates as it moves to Guangzhou — the most important manufacturing city in southern China and situated at the heart of the Pearl River Delta.

Open to all independent freight forwarders from around the globe, as well as an impressive range of logistics vendors and industry-related companies, the Sino-International Conference is the largest and most influential fully-open networking event in the world.

Co-organised by China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA) and WCA, the conference is scheduled to attract over 1,000 freight forwarders, all dedicated to creating new mutually beneficial partnerships and securing millions of dollars of new business.

Located at the luxurious 5-star Shangri-La Hotel, strategically located at the center of Guangzhou's new business and convention district, delegates can take advantage of the wide range of hotel options to suit all budgets and enjoy the many restaurants and bars overlooking the famous Pearl River.

The Sino Conference has time and again proved to be the most cost-efficient and beneficial event in the logistics industry. Face-to-face meetings are most productive way for independent forwarders to expand into new markets form vital new partnerships .

For the first time ever, the largest exhibition for transport and logistics in Turkey will open its gates from Wednesday through Friday this year. Gerhard Gerritzen, Deputy Managing Director of Messe München, explains the event's new timing: "At the request of several exhibitors and visitors, the show now begins on Wednesday instead of Thursday, and so it ends before the weekend. The move will also emphasize the event's character as a trade show more clearly." The 8th logitrans—the International Transport Logistics Exhibition—takes place at the Expo Center ifm in Istanbul from November 19–21, 2014.

The first day of the exhibition, Wednesday, also has new opening hours from 14:00 to 20:00. As in the past, the exhibition will be open from 10:00 to 18:00 on Thursday and Friday. It will present a wide range of products and services along the entire value chain for logistics, telematics and transport.

Other new developments include countries pavilions from Luxemburg, which is being organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs there, and from the Czech Republic, which is being organized by Czech Trade. There will also be joint exhibits from Germany and Austria, both of which have exhibited here in previous years.

Source : http://www.logitrans.com.tr/english/