IATA reports pause in removal of freighters from storage, but capacity in storage remains high

IATA, via its Jun-2016 'Cargo Tracker' newsletter, reported (02-Jul-2016) a pause in the removal of widebody freighter aircraft from storage due to a rise in fuel prices in 2Q2016 and weakness in the traffic demand environment. IATA said payload capacity available in storage remains high at 17.5% of in-service capacity, significantly higher than pre-economic crisis levels of 10.5% in 1Q2007. IATA stated, "The combination of better aircraft utilisation, abundant in-service freighter and belly hold capacity, a feeble global demand environment and ample payload capacity in storage point to significant headwinds for yields and profitability for the months ahead." [more - original PR]