International Air Cargo Grows in Japan

International cargo volume grew for Japan’s two largest airlines in November, but domestic cargo declined.

Japan Airlines, the biggest carrier in Asia, saw its first year-over-year increase in international cargo in 16 months come too late, as it plans to file for bankruptcy protection later this month (see story http://www.joc.com/air-expedited/jal-faces-bankruptcy).

JAL said its international cargo volume grew 9.1 percent to 56,552 tons in November. During the first eight months of fiscal 2009, which started in April 2009, JAL transported a total of 401,701 tons of cargo on international routes, down 16.2 percent from the same period of the previous fiscal year.

But JAL saw the volume of its domestic cargo decline for eight months in a row in November on a year-on-year basis, falling 7.3 percent to 39,369 tons. The year-on-year pace of decline slightly quickened from 6.9 percent in October.

During the April-November period, JAL transported a total of 313,740 tons of cargo on domestic routes, down 8.2 percent from a year earlier.

Japan's second-largest air carrier All Nippon Airways said its international cargo volume grew for the third consecutive month in November on a year-on-year basis, surging 36.7 percent to 37,579 tons.

ANA's international cargo volume had increased 3.7 percent in September, the first year-on-year growth in 11 months, and then 7.5 percent in October.

During the first eight months of fiscal 2009, ANA transported a total of 242,218 tons of cargo on international routes, up 0.5 percent from the same period of the previous fiscal year.

But ANA's domestic cargo volume fell for four months in succession in November on a year-on-year basis, dropping 1.6 percent to 37,544 tons. During the April-November period, ANA transported a total of 299,928 tons of cargo on domestic routes, down 3.4 percent from a year earlier.

Contact Hisane Masaki at yiu45535@nifty.com.