Passenger demand strong, cargo remains sluggish
RESULTS: The International Air Transport Association (IATA)
released traffic results for the first four months of the year showing
year-on-year international passenger demand growth of 6.7%, freight
demand growth significantly slower at 2.6%, with average load factors
for the period at 75.4%.
“While we saw slight changes in April, the story for the first four
months of the year is stability. For passenger traffic, demand is better
than expected, supported by a relatively strong global economy. Freight
demand is showing much more price sensitivity than previously.
The cargo business is still growing, but competition with other modes
of transport is severe. And sea shipping is taking a greater proportion
of the benefits from the economic boom,” said Govanni Bisignani, IATA’s
Director General and CEO.
Over the first four months of the year, the Middle East remained the
fastest growing region recording a 17.6% year-on-year passenger demand
increase. African airlines saw demand growth of 10.1% boosted by
improved economic performance and growing links with Asia and the Middle
East.
Asia Pacific and Europe grew relatively equally at 6.2% and 6.0%.
North American carriers were slightly lower at 5.4% reflecting the
weakening US economy. Latin America demand declined (-1.6%) due to
industry restructuring.
For air freight, strong economic growth, route expansion and an
increase in perishable goods shipments helped Middle Eastern airlines
record 12.2% demand growth over the first four months of the year.
Asia Pacific at 3.9% was next in line. This is low when compared to
the trade expansion in the region. Europe saw a slight contraction of
-0.1%, North America was flat at 0.9% demand growth and Latin America
demand dropped -5.5%.
“There is lots of good news in the industry. Airlines are emerging
into profitability after six years and US$42 billion in losses. Air
transport is safer than ever. Simplifying the Business is delivering
real results.
“But we also face some big challenges. We cannot take our foot off
the gas on the drive for efficiency-internally and with our
infrastructure partners. Climate change needs a global solution for
aviation,” said Bisignani. |