International cargo volume at Incheon International Airport in South Korea has increased by 20 percent in the fourth quarter in comparison to the previous year, a positive indicator for the economy, the Manila Bulletin reported.
Cargo volume in the first and second quarters of 2009 at Incheon International Airport was down due to the global downturn, falling 20 percent and 13 percent, respectively. However, the downward trend was reversed in September when cargo volume rebounded.
Cargo volume in the third quarter stabilised by only decreasing by two percent while volume in the fourth quarter increased sharply by 20 percent, giving positive indications of an economic recovery.
As a result, Incheon International Airport was able to exceed its goal of handling two million tonnes of cargo despite the economic downturn last year.
Total annual cargo volume for 2009 stands at 2.31 million tons of cargo, which is only five percent less than the previous year. Despite sagging demand for air cargo services due to the global slowdown, cargo airlines are adding flights or launching new routes at Incheon International Airport.
Cargonews Asia