The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says February data show seasonally adjusted cargo volumes are 2.5 per cent higher than their October 2012 low point.
"February's air cargo performance has sustained the weak recovery that began in the fourth quarter of 2012. This is welcome news after two consecutive years of contraction. It is even better news that this growth is expected to pick up moderately as the year progresses. But improvements cannot be taken for granted. Events in Cyprus have reminded us that the eurozone crisis is far from over. Any resulting loss of business confidence could shift the outlook for the worse," said Tony Tyler, IATA's ceo.
Regional performance was skewed by Chinese New Year and the 2012 leap year, with Asia-Pacific carriers down 14.7 per cent compared to February 2012.
This was, however, almost entirely due to factory closures during the Chinese New Year holiday. Aircargo Asia Pacific |