IATA reports strong airfreight volumes in August

AUGUST figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reveal a more buoyant airfreight market as global growth rose six per cent.

IATA attributed growth mostly to the increasing competitiveness of airfreight versus sea freight, reported UK Transport Intelligence.

Demand grew less than four per cent over the last 12 months. Both the Asia Pacific and European markets have been the primary drivers of the global growth. Asia Pacific was up 8.5 per cent while European volumes rose 2-3 per cent in August.

August North American growth was disappointing with volume down 0.6 per cent, while Middle East growth fell from its six-month average of 10 per cent.

IATA director general Giovanni Bisignani forecast a total industry income of US$5.6 billion in 2007 from passenger and freight revenues.