The rate of growth over 2009 is slowing, however, as volume was 34 percent higher in May versus May 2009. IATA did add that May volumes were likely unusually high due to some volumes being held back in late April from the volcanic ash crisis in Europe.
Volumes in June were 6 percent above the pre-recession peak in early 2008. Load factor was 53.8 percent for air cargo during the month, a level IATA characterized as 'in line with historical highs.
Freight demand continues to follow economic recovery and trade patterns, with airlines in Asia-Pacific up 29.8 percent, and up 39.6 percent in the Middle East. Latin American airlines, with 39.6 percent growth, and African airlines, up 54 percent, are growing the fastest, IATA said.
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| Bisignani |
'We remain cautiously optimistic,' said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's director general and chief executive officer. 'A clear indication of the growing confidence is the over 400 aircraft orders announced at the Farnborough Air Show. The industry continues to recover faster than expected, but with sharp regional differences. Europe is recovering at half the speed of Asia.'
