THE International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on the air cargo industry at its recent World Cargo Symposium in Vancouver to support e-freight, its initiative to reduce paper and move towards a simpler electronic environment.

IATA, the main international industry association of airlines, reported that cargo revenues were down by one quarter in 2009 compared to the previous year - the most precipitous drop ever.

But the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010 saw a strong upturn in cargo volumes to a level 28 per cent higher than the low point in late 2008, according to the new IATA Cargo E-Chartbook.

This was still three to four per cent below the early 2008 peak level, but there are now signs of yield increases on specific routes and regions, with Asian markets bouncing back the strongest, said the IATA statement.

Said IATA chief executive Giovanni Bisignani: "We are starting to see some signs of optimism. But we cannot rebuild on the old foundations. This recession has changed global business. To remain competitive, air cargo must improve its quality and reduce its costs."

Source: schednet.com