The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has released preliminary traffic figures for the full 2009 calendar year showing AAPA member’s international air cargo traffic down 11 per cent for the year. With carriers making corresponding reductions in cargo capacity, the average cargo load factor was 66.1 per cent - almost unchanged from the previous year. Looking ahead, Andrew Herdman, AAPA director general said: “The cargo business is regaining some of its dynamism, and … [Read more...] about AAPA 2009 cargo traffic down 11%
Airports
New legal challenge to Heathrow’s third runway
Critics of London Heathrow Airport’s third runway have launched a legal challenge based on what they say are flaws in the runway consultation process. Governmental approval for Heathrow Airport Runway 3 was given at the start of 2009, along with approval for a future Terminal 6 to support it. Supporting its original Runway 3 decision, the Department for Transport said it intended to offer a “robust†defence to the legal challenge. … [Read more...] about New legal challenge to Heathrow’s third runway
Dubai: 4th month of double digit cargo growth
Dubai international airport started the new year in fine form with cargo volumes continuing their strong upward trend with the fourth consecutive month of double-digit increases, surging 31.5 per cent. Dubai Airports Cargo handled 171,453 tonnes of freight in January 2010 compared to 130,375 tonnes during the same month in 2009. "Dubai is on the leading edge of a rebound in global air traffic," said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. … [Read more...] about Dubai: 4th month of double digit cargo growth
Al Maktoum Int’l to open end-June
Dubai is on track to open its second and the world's largest airport — the Al Maktoum International — on 27 June this year, according to Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths. The airport will open with the launch of freighter operations which will be followed by passenger operations at a later stage. The new airport is part of the US$33 billion Dubai World Central (DWC) development in Jebel Ali. … [Read more...] about Al Maktoum Int’l to open end-June
New UPS distribution centre in Calgary
UPS has announced the opening of its new $30 million distribution centre at the Calgary International Airport (YYC), to provide businesses with direct access to the US and international markets. The facility will be central to the continued growth of Alberta's economy, allowing local businesses to tap into global growth markets such as China, India and Mexico, UPS said. "The rise of middle classes in China and India offers great potential to businesses in the Calgary area," said Mike Tierney, … [Read more...] about New UPS distribution centre in Calgary
Turkey/Australia direct flights now possible
Direct flights between Turkey and Australia are now possible following the signing of the first-ever air services agreement between our two countries. Under the new arrangements Australian and Turkish airlines can immediately begin operating up to five direct flights per week. Up until now, Australians wanting to visit Turkey or send freight there had to travel via a third country such as Singapore. The agreement also allows the carriers of both countries to enter into code-share arrangements … [Read more...] about Turkey/Australia direct flights now possible