Page 28 - AAA NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2012 Online Magazine
P. 28
FEATURE FREIGHT AIRCRAFT
FEATURE FREIGHT AIRCRAFT
Where To, Cargo?
In contrast to the ongoing A report releAsed recently by A glimmer of hope?
increases in passenger the IAtA notes the Asia-pacific region Whilst uncertainty in the short-term
regarding the economies of the large
experienced its sixth straight month of
traffic, a sluggish global declines in international air cargo volume Western nations will very likely weaken
economy coupled with last August, with freight metric-tonne- growth in developing markets, a growing
high aviation fuel costs kilometres down 6.3%, year-on-year. Air middle class in emerging countries
freight markets remain depressed, as a
is expected to encourage consumer
are hurting air freight result of weakening consumer confidence demand and exports from the Us and
markets worldwide. in the major developed economies leading europe. In addition, major manufacturer
to a corresponding slowdown in exports
boeing is quite optimistic about the long
Reports discuss slowing from Asia. Asia-pacific carriers have term. In its 20-year forecast, boeing says
growth everywhere – but experienced virtually no growth in freight the world freighter fleet will increase
nonetheless, many Asian traffic since the fourth quarter of 2011. to 3,198 airplanes from 1,738 by 2031.
“We are still seeing persistent
players seem to be looking weakness in air cargo markets, with WhAT PLANES WORk?
to a positive future. By Asian carriers posting a decline in Boeing says that, continuing a trend
international air cargo demand during
Neelam Mathews the first eight months of the year, with of many years in the Asia Pacific
region, all-cargo and combination
no sign yet of any upturn,” notes Andrew carriers will take the greatest
Herdman, director General of the AApA. number of large freighters, which
Although it is of little consolation, Asia are uniquely suited to long-haul,
is not alone. IAtA’s figures show that intercontinental markets. Express
volumes were down year-on-year in carrier networks will take the
latin America and europe as well, 3.6% majority of medium wide-body
and 1.1%, respectively. tepid demand freighters, ideally sized to support
due to slow Us and european economies high-yield, time-critical operations.
Standard-body freighters will
may drive rates down even further on serve emerging regional and niche
a temporary basis, say analysts. the markets, as well as express markets.
overall picture is not rosy.
28 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM
