IATA's February results show modest demand improvement

By Freddie Pierce
Air Cargo rates rose by two percent in February compared to the previous year, despite ‘severely skewed results due to differences in the calenda...

Air Cargo rates rose by two percent in February compared to the previous year, despite ‘severely skewed’ results due to differences in the calendar.

Last year, the month of February had an extra day due to the leap year, in addition to being impacted by Chinese New Year (which fell in January 2012 and February 2013)which is accompanies by many factory closings in Asia. Before the adjustment for these abnormalities, freight performance demonstrated a decline of just over six percent.

IATA expect the growth to pick up moderately throughout 2012, however IATA’s Director General and CEO, Tony Tyler, stressed that improvements cannot be taken for granted.

“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,” he said.

Eurozone challenge

Tyler highlighted the importance of the Eurozone Crisis on future International Air freight rates, in addition to mentioning the rising competition posed by sea freight.

“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…

“Demand for sea shipments already reflects the recovery in some parts of the world. But we are not yet seeing the positive impact of this in air cargo markets. While it remains to be seen if this is a long-term modal shift, it is clear that sea shipping is becoming a stronger competitor to air cargo,” said Tyler.

Technological Change

Tyler highlighted the importance of making e-freight a reality through strategies like the 100 percent e-Air Waybill (e-AWB) utilisation by 2015, which he claims will ‘boost the competitiveness of air cargo’.

“More efficient connectivity in turn will foster economic growth. The industry is united in its efforts to modernize business practices. But we need governments, regulators and customs authorities on board too. The e-Freight system cannot happen while regulators insist on seeing paper copies of documents,” said Tyler.

Share

Featured Articles

PwC Examines Digital Trends in Operations for 2024

PwC’s Digital Trends in Operations Survey for 2024 demonstrates a significant proportion of firms are struggling to achieve their desired outcomes

P&SC LIVE New York 2024 Virutal - SAVE THE DATE

Don’t miss out on your chance to attend Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE New York in 2024 Virtually, 5-6 June

Charities & NGOs Submit to The Global P&SC Awards for FREE

The Global Procurement & Supply Chain Awards hosted at P&SC LIVE London Sept 2024 welcomes charities and NGOs to submit for FREE

Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: 2024 Dates to Remember

Digital Supply Chain

Gartner Unveils Top Supply Chain Technology Trends for 2024

Technology

What the Latest CSDDD Milestone Means for Supply Chains

Sustainability