? But slowdown in 2004 air freight growth continues

à But slowdown in 2004 air freight growth continues    Worldwide air freight traffic continued to grow below trend in June, with a 2.9-percent year-on-year increase in freight-ton kilometers.
   The June figures brought the average worldwide traffic growth during the first six months of the year to 3.4 percent, according to the International Air Transport Association, which compiles the statistics.
   “Compared to 13.2 percent growth for the first half of 2004, the 3.4 percent freight growth for the same period in 2005 indicates that extra-ordinary fuel prices are softening international trade,” said Giovanni Bisignani, director general and chief executive officer of IATA.
   In June, air traffic growth in North America was 1.8 percent, when measured in freight-ton kilometers. For the year-to-date, growth in freight traffic in North America averaged just 0.1 percent.