Korean carriers see first cargo volume rise in 15 months

The volume of cargo transported by Korean air carriers rose for the first time in 15 months on increasing shipments of electronic products to North America and European markets.

Industry officials said that Korean Air, the nation`s largest air carrier, transported 96,000 tons of cargo in September, up 13 percent from a year ago. The volume of cargo for this month is expected to grow 28 percent on-year to 98,500 tons, they said.

Cargo transport by Korean Air from the country`s airports exceeded the 30,000 ton level for the first time, with 30,834 tons in September, a 33 percent increase from a year ago.



The momentum is likely to continue through the last quarter of the year. Korean Air transported 33,066 tons of cargo last month and is expected to carry 35,000 tons in November, it said in a statement.

Asiana Airlines, the nation`s No. 2 air carrier, is also enjoying an increase in cargo shipments.

Its international cargo volume rose 8 percent on-year to 50,600 tons in September and 10 percent last month.

The air carrier expects to transport a little less than 60,000 tons this month, about a 20 percent increase from a year ago.

The increase in cargo volume has a lot to do with the growing demand of electronic products in the United States and countries in Europe.

Samsung and LG, two of the largest electronics makers in the world, are the carriers` biggest clients.

"The demand for electronics in the United States and Europe is quite high as the year-end season nears. Some say it is the time for customers there trying to replace home appliances with new models," said Lim Jae-won, PR manager for Korean Air.

Thanks to the growing demand in air traffic, both Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are planning on expanding international operations.

Korean Air has already operated 10 additional cargo flights in September and 13 in October. A record 41 planes will be assigned for air delivery service this month, it added.

Asiana has started to operate a cargo liner between Incheon and Milan twice a week.

(christory@heraldm.com)



By Cho Chung-un