Airports see further decline

AIRPORTS report that January 2009 freight traffic growth fell by 27 per cent compared to January last year. Anchorage, Frankfurt (right), Hong Kong, Incheon, Miami, Narita, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo suffered the largest reductions between -20 and -35 per cent.

ACI director general, Angela Gittens, said: “[These] January traffic results come as no surprise as the business world struggles with instability in the financial and industrial sectors. Airport activity is tied to the health of world, regional and local economies. Despite the current traffic slump, airports remain committed to their community role and to the long-term planning imperative that characterises our business.”

ACI director economics Andreas Schimm, said: “We must brace ourselves for further turbulent times. There is a significant downside risk for February 2009 figures, given the likelihood of a continuing deterioration in he global economic climate.

“We must accept that this downturn will continue for a while longer and keep looking ahead to the inevitable upswing to ensure that airports remain a firm cornerstone for rebuilding economic health.”