Centerlines - March 2009 - (Page 12) COVER STORY POOR ECONOMY CUTTING AIR SHIPMENTS Major air cargo airports seeing declining volumes as recession takes toll on imports B Y N I C OL E N E L S O N fter nearly a decade of dominance as the topic du jour in the air cargo realm, security has recently been upstaged by yet another grim reality: the economy. Instead of security grabbing the headlines, it is reports of fewer shipments — primarily from Asia — to U.S. destinations that is causing heartburn within the industry. On domestic routes, a predominant logistics and express service provider has already jumped ship. Citing a weak U.S. economy and ongoing declines in U.S. express volumes, DHL discontinued its domestic-only air and ground services effective Jan. 30, to focus entirely on its – Richard Wilson, Development Director international offerings. Internationally, the Pan-Asia market Stevens Anchorage International Airport has proved to be a tough sell of late as North American demand for Asian-manufactured consumer goods has decreased due to global economic conditions. “The Transpacific market has been the toughest for our airports as we represent longer flying distances, which amounts to higher operating costs,” said Michael Bednarz, manager of air cargo business development for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. A “THE NOVEMBER 2008 Boeing World Air Cargo Report forecasts recovery and a healthy future at approximately historical levels through 2027 for Asia-North American routes.” at Ted 12 CENTERLINES | MARCH 2009
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