More Cargo Flights: Solution for Aviation?
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More Cargo Flights: Solution for Aviation?

Photo by:   G-R Mottez
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Jorge Ramos Zwanziger By Jorge Ramos Zwanziger | Junior Journalist and Industry Analyst - Thu, 03/04/2021 - 12:18

Airfreight in Mexico experienced a 9.1 percent year-on-year increase during the first month of 2021, despite the pandemic. The sector transported a total of 88,197 tons, 7,368 tons more than in January 2020, according to data from the Federal Agency of Civil Aviation (AFAC), reports T21.

The low demand for passenger flights took a toll on the aviation industry. However, demand for cargo has increased in part thanks to the growth of e-commerce. This higher demand has filled air cargo flights and increased tariffs. In 2020, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) registered an average increase of 75 percent worldwide in revenue for air cargo, despite the 20.3 percent contraction in the total cargo transported, reports Expansión Política.

. The surge has been more dramatic in the five most important airports for air freight in the country. Toluca registered an increase of 59.9 percent in cargo movement, from 2,993 tons to 4,786 tons. Queretaro went up by 32.5 percent from 4,794 tons to 3,616 tons. Monterrey handled 4,891 tons, Guadalajara registered a 25.5 percent increase transporting 16,301 tons and Mexico City moved 43,929 tons last January for a 1.6 percent increase year-on-year, reports T21.

Carlos Robles, Vice President of the Central Region of the Mexican Federation of Aerospace Industries (FEMIA), highlighted the impact of travel restrictions and other measures on the commercial aviation sector in an article for MBN. Routes have been limited or canceled as many seats are not being sold. However, the rise of e-commerce and the conversion of unused airplanes into cargo aircraft could be a boon for the sector. E-commerce companies and others are investing in strengthening their supply chains. Amazon, for example, has acquired new airplanes to strengthen its fleet, according to Robles.

Robles forecasts a different way for airlines to restructure their businesses by re-incorporating old, less efficient airplanes for delivery missions, modifying commercial passenger aircraft to cargo, selling airplanes to logistics operators and leasing them to create new logistics networks. Robles expects increasing demand for aircraft in the next couple of years.

Photo by:   G-R Mottez

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