World air freight volumes declined 0.7 per cent in 2011 with Asia-Pacific falling 1.9 per cent and North America declining 1.8 per cent, according to the Airports Council International (ACI).

But ACI also reported European volumes increased 1.9 per cent with Africa up a robust 10 per cent and Latin America hitting 5.4 per cent in domestic cargo movement while outside Latin American international freight fell 0.7 per cent, reported the UK’s Transport Intelligence.

“Air freight appeared to be more elastic or sensitive to the economic situation within countries and among trading partners,” said ACI chief economist Rafael Echevarne.

“As governments slowly adopt austerity measures, certain economies may experience an economic slowdown in the short run, thereby having an impact on international trade. As business confidence resumes, so will global air freight,” Mr Echevarnehe said.

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