Recently released figures from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) indicate that international air cargo traffic for 2008, expressed in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs), suffered a 6.1 per cent decline and while member airlines reduced cargo capacity significantly, the average cargo load factor for the year still fell by one percentage point to 65.6 per cent. The AAPA members carried 141.5 million international passengers in 2008, 1.8 per cent fewer than the record levels achieved in … [Read more...] about AAPA figures reveal “shocking” cargo decline
Carriers
Air France anticipates Q3 loss on lower pax and cargo
Air France-KLM Group said it expects a third-quarter loss as a result of lower passenger traffic and a ¡°strong decline¡± in cargo revenue. ¡°The deterioration in the economic environment during the third quarter has led to a slight weakening in passenger unit revenues and a strong decline in cargo revenue,¡± Air France said in the statement. Air France-KLM¡¯s cargo traffic in December slumped 20.4 per cent from a year ago as its key Asia-Pacific market collapsed. Like many of its … [Read more...] about Air France anticipates Q3 loss on lower pax and cargo
4Q loss for Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has reported a fourth quarter loss of US$56 million, in part due to losses resulting from its fuel-hedging strategy. This compares with a gain of US$111 million in the same period a year earlier. Southwest paid 23 per cent more for fuel than a year earlier. … [Read more...] about 4Q loss for Southwest Airlines
Singapore inks OSAs with Czech Rep & Iceland
Singapore has concluded an Open Skies Agreement (OSA) with Iceland giving airlines from Singapore and Iceland full flexibility to operate air services between and beyond both countries, as well as via intermediate points, without restrictions on capacity, frequency and aircraft type. The Singapore-Iceland OSA is also more liberal than conventional OSAs, as it allows for unlimited ¡°hubbing rights¡±, also known as ¡°7th freedom traffic rights¡±, for both passenger and cargo services. … [Read more...] about Singapore inks OSAs with Czech Rep & Iceland
Air France out of Guangzhou
Air France-KLM has, at least temporarily, suspended its cargo service to Guangzhou, China, after cargo volumes dropped below what the carriers said were sustainable levels. … [Read more...] about Air France out of Guangzhou
Czech government to sell its stake in Czech Air
The Czech government has approved the sale of its 91.5 per cent share of national carrier Czech Airlines, expected to fetch up to US$241.8 million. … [Read more...] about Czech government to sell its stake in Czech Air