ACI -NA: FAA predicts improvements in total air cargo

Recent predictions from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) annual forecast indicate that total air cargo Registered Ton Miles (RTMs) will increase from 30.8 billion in 2009 to 86.6 billion in 2030 - up an average of 5.0 percent each year. The FAA also expects domestic RTMs to increase 2.1 percent a year.

"As it is predicted with passenger traffic, the cargo volume handled at airports is expected to increase significantly in the near future, and the forecast provided by the FAA is encouraging," said ACI-NA President Greg Principato. "Passenger and cargo traffic will come back, and airports will continue to improve and build upon their facilities to ensure that they can manage traffic when business returns."

This forecast is released as nearly 100 representatives of the North American airport cargo industry convene for the 2010 ACI-NA Air Cargo Conference in Seattle to discuss the current air cargo commercial and policy landscape, the business of air cargo, and strategies to enhance air cargo revenue. Among the conference highlights:

Wednesday, March 10

8:45 a.m.: The Changing Legislative and Regulatory Environment

Whether it's good for air cargo or bad for air cargo, the one thing that can be counted on is that the regulatory environment is changing. Is cap and trade dead in Congress? How is the Stimulus impacting airports? Are there any regulatory surprises coming? These are questions that everyone should be asking. Steve Alterman, from the Cargo Airline Association, Debby McElroy from ACI-NA, and Gina Ronzello from the Cargo Airline Association will address these issues and offer insight to the future.

10:45 a.m.: Cargo Security - Implementation Challenges

Cargo may be the unseen passenger, but cargo security is becoming more visible every day. This panel discussion will look at security from the perspective of the airport, the airlines, and freight forwarders. Doug Brittin from the TSA, Brandon Fried from the Airforwarders Association, and Tom Green from the Port of Seattle, will discuss and debate the issue of cargo security.

Thursday, March 11

9:30 a.m.: Future of Planning and Developing Cargo Facilities

Money is tight; and communities, airport boards, and financiers demand top quality planning to ensure their support. This session will provide actual case studies of successful planning and financing for air cargo facilities and infrastructure. John Cammett, Aeroterm; Bob Caton, AMB Property Corporation; Frank Chambers, Aviation Facilities Company Inc.; and Steven Bradford, Trammell Crow Company, will provide considerations and options for development.

12:00 p.m.: Keynote Speaker

Dave Brooks, President of the Cargo Division at American Airlines will serve as the conference's keynote speaker. Brooks will examine the current air cargo business model and share tips on improving air cargo revenue.