Bruce Barnard, Special Correspondent | Apr 03, 2012 10:14AM EDT
International air freight traffic grew 5.1 percent February from a year ago, but the outlook for cargo remains fragile, the International Air Transportation Association said.
The growth in February shipments was distorted by the Chinese New Year holidays falling in January this year, pushing some deliveries into February. Comparison with February 2011 was also impacted by weak demand due to unrest during the Arab Spring, the industry body noted.
Cargo traffic in February was down 1.2 percent from January but demand remains relatively stable.
“The outlook is fragile. Improvements in business confidence slowed in February. This … implies that an uptick for cargo is not imminent,” said IATA Director General Tony Tyler.
Asia/Pacific carriers, which account for about 45 percent of the global air cargo market, boosted traffic 10.2 percent from a year ago, while Middle East carriers grew traffic 18.2 percent.
European and North American airlines increased freight volumes by 1.4 percent and 0.3 percent respectively, while Latin American carriers suffered a 3.6 percent decline.
Contact Bruce Barnard at brucebarnard47@hotmail.com.