Air Freight Figures Continue To Recover

SWITZERLAND – A statement today from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show that international scheduled traffic statistics for June showed continued strong demand growth as the industry recovers from the impact of the global financial crisis. Compared to June 2009, international passenger demand was up 11.9% while international scheduled freight traffic showed a 26.5% improvement. Capacity increased only slightly above demand improvements during the month, keeping load factors in line with historical highs at 53.8% for freight.

Outside of Europe, all regions reported double-digit growth in passenger traffic. International freight demand grew 26.5% in June 2010, down from the 34.0% recorded in May 2010. May was exceptionally high as some interrupted traffic from April’s ash crisis shifted to May. Shipping volumes remain 6% above the pre-recession peak in early 2008. Freight demand continues to follow economic recovery and trade patterns with airlines in Asia-Pacific (+29.8%), Middle East (+39.6%), Latin America (+44.9%) and Africa (+54.0%) growing the fastest with carriers in North America (+24.2%) occupying the middle ground.

Europe (15.3%) is growing at half the rate of the fastest growing regions based on slower economic growth. This trend is particularly evident in Europe which is the only region still 5-6% below the pre-recession peak. The low value of the Euro will be a help to the region’s exporters and eventually drive up freight volumes according to IATA analysts.

Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO commented:

“We remain cautiously optimistic. A clear indication of the growing confidence is the over 400 aircraft orders announced at the Farnborough Air Show. This is good news that will bring environmental benefits through improved fuel efficiency. But it will also make the challenge of matching capacity to demand much more difficult.”

The full IATA traffic results for June are available HERE.

Photo: Giovanni Bisignani