Cargo traffic fell 21 per cent year-onyear in January, the latest data available, the ATA said.
This follows year-over-year declines of 17 per cent in both November and December of 2008 while passenger numbers fell 12 per cent.
“The sharp decline in spending by passengers and shippers demonstrates how the global recession is taking an increasing toll on the travelling public, as well as on time-sensitive cargo shipments,†ATA chief economist John Heimlich said in a statement. “The worldwide slowdown is forcing further capacity reductions, despite themeaningful drop in fuel prices.â€Â