2009 was a terrible year for aviation (except for the Middle East)

IATA is describing 2009 as "the worst year the industry has ever seen". Director General and CEO, Giovanni Bisignani, noted the industry "permanently" lost 2.5 years of growth in passenger markets and 3.5 years of growth in the freight business. The "permanent" loss of traffic is a big statement, reflecting structural shifts that are occurring in and around the industry. Some markets may never be the same again.