Air cargo study to focus on why JFK volumes are declining

NEW York's John F Kennedy Airport is to be the focus of an in-depth study into the air cargo industry following a proposal from the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to increase the region's competitiveness with Request for Proposals (RFP) due March 22.


This as news is released that 2010 cargo volumes at the airport are well below 2008 levels much as at US cargo airports, outside of Memphis which recorded a small increase. In a space of three years JFK cargo tonnage dropped from 1.63 million tons to 1.14 million tons with 2009 year-on-year drop of 21.2 per cent the lowest.


JFK is a key employer for the Borough of Queens and employs thousands of New Yorkers and generates billions of dollars in economic activity, said NYCEDC president Seth Pinsky in a report from Queens Tribune. The focus will be on JFK Airport because of its dominant position handling 57 per cent of region's air cargo volume.


"With air cargo competition increasing across the country, this study will help identify opportunities to keep our region competitive and growing," he said of the study whose winning consultant will research other key hubs such as Anchorage, or FedEx's hub in Memphis to compare JFK's standing.


The study will address market conditions and trends for air cargo, the specific costs and benefits of doing business at JFK, and opportunities for infrastructure and financing programmes. The study funded by the New York City Industrial Development Agency and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is due for completion by year end.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)