China is the fastest growing aviation market in the world thanks to the expansion of its air freight and air passenger industries. With air freight growth volumes predicted to drop off this year, how will the country’s significance in the aviation market be affected?

The growth of China’s air freight industry has led to a surge in the Asian cargo business over the last few years. This is reflected in the fact that air freight from Asia to Dallas Fort Worth airport (which is the leader in Asian cargo in the eastern and southern U.S) increased by 42% in 2004.

However, it is expected that China’s air freight volume growth will ease off this year. This will happen as the market returns to a more stable expansion pace after the post SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) rebound in 2004 and 5.

In 2004 and 2005, China’s air freight volume increased by 25% and 20% respectively. Passenger traffic also grew at this time; by 33% in 2004 and by 20% in 2005. This was as a result of people taking to the skies following the outbreak of SARS in the region.

Although the growth rate of China’s air freight business is expected to ease off this year, it will not halt altogether. According to freight industry experts, air freight cargo volumes are anticipated to rise by 10% in 2006. If it does so, China’s air freight volume will be 3.36 million tons.