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
.jpg)
