Weak Asia-Pacific cargo markets airlines' biggest worry: Iata chief

[SINGAPORE] Persistent softness in the Asia-Pacific cargo markets remains the biggest concern for regional carriers, according to International Air Transport Association (Iata) chief Tony Tyler.

"Cargo continues to be weak and for the big airlines in this region, it's a very important component of their revenue mix," said Mr Tyler at a media briefing yesterday ahead of the Singapore Airshow, adding that the market started softening in 2011 following a recovery in 2010 and has flatlined ever since. "That's been a big problem for the big airlines in this region."

Carriers in the Asia-Pacific account for nearly 40 per cent of the total global freight traffic market.