US airlines saw air cargo traffic – as measured by revenue ton miles – decline 21 per cent year-on-year in March 2009, according to the latest statistics available from the Air Transport Association of America (ATA).

The decline matches that measured in January and February and marks the eighth consecutive month of declining cargo traffic. Notably, cargo traffic in the Pacific region fell 28 per cent.

Passenger numbers and revenue for April both fell – 6.3 per cent and 18 per cent respectively.

“The latest reports show the scope and depth of the recession’s continued toll on commercial aviation. The industry is seeing less demand in the cabin, as well as in the cargo holds – clear signs of the widespread slowdown in global economic activity,” said ATA president and CEO James C. May.

On a daily basis, US airlines operate nearly 30,000 flights in 77 countries using more than 6,000 aircraft to carry an average 45,360 tonnes of cargo and two million passengers.