The Pacific plunge

DURING August the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reported cargo traffic (freight tonne kilometres) was down 5.8 per cent against the year before.

Cargo load factor fell 3.1 per cent to 64.5 per cent for the month.

“Passenger air travel demand is still quite strong, supported by continued growth in both business and leisure travel, but cargo markets remain weak,” AAPA director general Andrew Herdman said. “Overall, Asia Pacific airlines are in a relatively favourable position, given many of the region’s economies are still reporting solid growth. However, the recent deterioration in the global economic outlook is cause for concern, and could potentially undermine both business and consumer confidence, leading to a more cautious view on medium term growth prospects.”