Iata: outlook for air cargo traffic stabilizes
The International Air Transport Association (Iata) released data showing that May's global air cargo volume was 4.7% higher than in the same month a year ago. The May figure is also an increase on the 3.8% year-on-year growth recorded in April. Cargo volumes, measured by freight tonne kilometres were up across all regions, but with significant differences in performance.
The Middle East carriers reported a 9.3% year-on-year increase, whereas the corresponding growth rate for North American carriers stood at 2.4%. The acceleration of growth reflects improved economic conditions. There are indications that world trade and business confidence is improving after weakness in Q1/2014. Chinese manufacturing activity in particular rebounded in May, with a corresponding rise in export orders.