IATA: Freight load factors decline despite 2H2016 pick up

IATA reported (17-Feb-2017) freight load factors averaged 43% over 2016, a decline of 0.5 ppts year-on-year. There was strong pick-up in load factor over 2H2016, due to stronger demand and only moderate capacity growth. The strong 2H2016 performance provides a degree of optimism that 2017 will see an improved outcome. Asia Pacific airlines registered the highest freight load factor in 2016 at 52.8%. African freight load factor was 22.2%, down 5ppts due to very strong growth in capacity, driven by rapid long-haul expansion and increases by North African airlines. Only European carriers registered an annual increase, up a "modest" 0.4 ppts. [more - original PR]