Loading
26-Apr-2011 10:14 AM

IATA sees strong growth in Asia Pacific; air transport in Europe likely to stagnate

IATA outgoing President and CEO Giovanni Bisignani stated airlines in the Asia Pacific will grow strongly in the next few years but air transport in Europe is likely to stagnate (La Tribune, 22-Apr-2011). Mr Bisignani blamed European governments for being more interested in raising taxes from the industry than in supporting growth and providing infrastructure. He stated Europe was undermined by weak economic growth in the European area and also by the fact that air transportation was not "unfortunately a priority for European governments." Mr Bisignani also expressed concern about rising fuel costs, declaring it to be a "disaster".

IATA: "Europe is by far the biggest problem for the sector. The centre of gravity of air transportation is shifting towards Asia because of the growth of its economy but also because governments there are careful to take measures to develop the sector. When I see the situation in Europe, I am pessimistic … Only taxes on companies and their passengers seem to interest them ... And while there is a wave of taxes, there is no action on structural measures which, in terms of infrastructure, would enable companies to be competitive in a market environment … I am very optimistic when I look at the trend in the Asia-Pacific region, and the involvement of states in creating favourable conditions to help the growth of traffic," Giovanni Bisignani, President and CEO. Source: La Tribune, 22-Apr-2011.

Want More News Like This?

CAPA Membership provides access to all news and analysis on the site, along with access to many areas of our comprehensive databases and toolsets.
Find Out More