Global Air Freight Demand In June 2016 Up 4.3 Pct Year-On-Year

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Global air freight demand in June 2016, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTK), rose 4.3 per cent year-on-year. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said this was the fastest pace of growth in 14 months. "Freight demand increased year-on-year in June across all regions with the exception of Latin America which recorded a 9.8 per cent decrease compared with the same period last year," IATA said in a statement. The Middle East and Europe posted the fastest demand growth in June with year-on-year increases of eight per cent and 5.1 per cent, respectively. Asia-Pacific airlines reported a 3.5 per cent increase in demand for air cargo in June compared with last year and capacity expanded 3.6 per cent. The Asia-Pacific air freight market has been improving in recent months, most notably the large ‘within Asia’ market. Nonetheless, freight volumes from ‘emerging Asia’ continue to face headwinds from weak trade in the region and globally. IATA Director General and Chief Executive Officer Tony Tyler said air freight business environment is fragile. "Global economic growth remains sluggish, world trade volumes continue to trend downwards and the industry faces heightened uncertainty in the aftermath of the Brexit vote,” Tyler said. -- BERNAMA