Airports provide more good numbers

The ACI reports that international passenger numbers grew by just over 10 per cent at airports worldwide in May, compared to May 2009.

Domestic traffic also increased firmly but at a more moderate pace of six per cent.

Asia-Pacific operators reported growth of 18.5 per cent for international traffic and 11 per cent for domestic.

ACI director of economics Andreas Schimm says, “Traffic is without a doubt on the rise. But there are a few considerations to keep in mind when analysing the figures. The Latin America-Caribbean region is comparing against low results in May 2009 when the outbreak of the H1N1 virus significantly dampened air travel demand across the region. The ensuing ripple effect in North America and Asia Pacific, where the fear of flu contagion slashed international travel, partially skews the figures and thus explains some of the extraordinary increases we observe this month.”

In the Asia-Pacific region, international passenger traffic in China rose significantly in part due to the beginning of the Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

Bangkok was the only airport in the region with a decline (-10 per cent), the result of violent unrest in Bangkok.

Overall the major hubs in the region reported double-digit growth, in part a result of declines in May 2009.

Air freight growth is dominated by demand for international shipments. Important international freight hubs such as Shanghai Pudong, Hong Kong, Taipei, Chicago O'Hare, Dubai, New York JFK and Frankfurt registered record volume increases.

Schimm says, “Worldwide freight growth wins the spotlight this month with a 27 per cent increase worldwide and an even more spectacular 35 per cent rise for international freight.

"Air freight remains on track to reach or exceed pre-crisis levels in the second quarter. The strong upward trend is still intact which bodes well for a sustained global economic recovery."