Cargo volumes handled by Malaysia's two main airports is set to rise 38 per cent this year compared to last thanks to the country's robust economic growth during the first six month of 2010, reports The Star.
The combined volume of cargo at KL International Airport and Penang International Airport is expected to reach 170,000 tonnes compared with 124,286 tonnes in 2009.
Penang Freight Forwarders Association president Krishnan Chelliah attributed the increase to Malaysia's 'robust growth' in the first half, and said it showed that manufacturers of electronics and perishable goods such as food and agricultural items were producing 'in full force'.
He said that the bulk of air cargo handled at the airports was destined for the US, Europe and Australia. 'Australia is buying a lot nowadays due to the strength of its currency,' Mr Chelliah added.
Mr Chelliah said air freight rates were still high due to carriers' limited capacity, but added that he didn't anticipate rates to increase in the run up to Christmas - typically a slow period.
Many exporters are turning to budget air carriers to transport their products within Asia because of the high freight rates of premium carriers, he added.
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