newstodate.aero
MAY 07, 2003 (newstodate): Effects from SARS in the Far East is now making a deep impact on intra-Asian cargo capacity and rates.
Thus, the air cargo rates between Taiwan and Hong Kong will rise another NT$5 per kg to NT$35 (US$1) starting Wednesday, lifting the freight charges by 25 percent in less than one month after the outbreak of SARS.
The rates hike results mainly from the sharp cancellations in regular flights, as most tourists have cancelled overseas trips till the life-threatening SARS is controlled.
The dwindling number of passengers have not only forced reduction in the number of flights but also prompted the airlines to assign smaller planes in order to save costs.
The air cargo rates on the segment climbed from NT$28 to NT$30 per kg on April 16. The additional NT$5 hike beginning Wednesday means a sharp rise of 25 percent in the cargo rates between Taiwan and Hong Kong.
In 2002, Taiwan's air cargo exports to China and Hong Kong amounted to 121,000 tonnes, while Taiwan's air cargo imports from the two areas reached 62,000 tons.
The Taipei-based China Airlines and EVA Airways are the major movers of air cargo between Taiwan and the two areas. Their air cargo volumes on the route rank second only to those on flights to the United States.
Thus, the air cargo rates between Taiwan and Hong Kong will rise another NT$5 per kg to NT$35 (US$1) starting Wednesday, lifting the freight charges by 25 percent in less than one month after the outbreak of SARS.
The rates hike results mainly from the sharp cancellations in regular flights, as most tourists have cancelled overseas trips till the life-threatening SARS is controlled.
The dwindling number of passengers have not only forced reduction in the number of flights but also prompted the airlines to assign smaller planes in order to save costs.
The air cargo rates on the segment climbed from NT$28 to NT$30 per kg on April 16. The additional NT$5 hike beginning Wednesday means a sharp rise of 25 percent in the cargo rates between Taiwan and Hong Kong.
In 2002, Taiwan's air cargo exports to China and Hong Kong amounted to 121,000 tonnes, while Taiwan's air cargo imports from the two areas reached 62,000 tons.
The Taipei-based China Airlines and EVA Airways are the major movers of air cargo between Taiwan and the two areas. Their air cargo volumes on the route rank second only to those on flights to the United States.