2013-11-14 10:44:32 Click:
September's traffic results reported a 2.1 per cent year-on-year downturn in freight tonne kilometres. The dip in international cargo demand came alongside a marginal increase of 0.8 per cent in available freight capacity. The addition of extra capacity lead to a 1.9 per cent contraction in the average international freight load factor to 64.8 per cent for the month.
Director general of AAPA, Andrew Herdman, says: "Asian carriers experienced a 1.7 per cent decline in international air cargo demand during the first three quarters of the year, with soft global trading conditions affecting exports from regional manufacturing centres. Air cargo volumes appear to have stabilised over the past few months, but rates remain under pressure due to an overhang of excess freighter capacity. Whilst the continued steady growth in passenger demand is very encouraging, Asian airlines are still facing a challenging operating environment, marked by competitive pressures on yields and margins."
Herdman has also responded to new European Commission proposals for the emissions trading scheme, announced on 16 October.
From 1 January 2014 the European Union (EU) wants all airlines to pay for emissions when in EU airspace.
Herdman says: "We view this development with concern. The inclusion of international airlines without the consent of their respective governments is likely to meet with strong opposition."