International air freight demand grew six per cent in August, its strongest rate of growth for 16 months, according to IATA. Growth for the year to date is 3.9 per cent.
IATA says the recent improvement in freight demand growth indicates airlines may be winning back market share from other transport modes with competitive pricing and operations.
Director general Giovanni Bisignani said: “While the credit crunch clearly shook both business and consumer confidence in August, demand for air travel remained solid with record high load factors for August. This, combined with strong revenues over the first half of the year, is behind our improved industry profitability forecast of US$5.6 billion for 2007. None-the-less, the industry’s financial situation remains fragile and the potential for weakening demand must continue to be met with improved efficiency across the value chain.
“The trend of increasing load factors is a concrete example of how aviation’s business and environmental goals are aligned with efficiency as a common denominator. As governments continue to squabble over emissions trading in the aftermath of the triennial Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the industry is getting on with the business of meeting consumer demand with ever-improving environmental performance,” said Bisignani.
New sorters for FKI Logistex
FKI Logistex has launched its next-generation sorters. The LS-4000E tilt-tray and LS-4000CB cross-belt models offer a common platform designed to enhance system flexibility and incorporate an advanced energy system, developed by FKI Logistex to reduce operating costs.
The LS-4000E and LS-4000CB incorporate an energy-efficient linear synchronous motor reduce the overall product life cycle ownership costs substantially without sacrificing speed, capacity and reliability. The high-speed motor eliminates contact between moving parts, providing ultra-low levels of wear-and-tear, and very low noise levels.
