São Paulo – The airport industry posted US$ 95 billion in revenues last year, according to information disclosed on Friday (17th) by the Airports Council International (ACI), an organization comprising companies that manage airport terminals worldwide. The Middle East, a region in which aviation has been growing strongly, accounted for US$ 4.3 billion, or 4.5% of the total worldwide.
The result in 2009 was 2% lower than that of 2008. "The first quarter of 2009 represented the peak of the [international financial] crisis for air travel, with a 9% decline passengers and 20% decline in air freight. Results were improving steadily over the following quarters, and the year wound up with a 3.5% growth in the fourth quarter," said the director-general of the ACI, Angela Gittens, according to a statement issued by the organization.
Revenues from aeronautical services reached US$ 51 billion last year, whereas those from other activities, such as stores, restaurants and other services offered inside the airports have reached US$ 44 billion, or 46.5% of the total.
"Non-aeronautical revenues are a vital component in the economics of airports. During the downturn the diversification of airport revenues cushioned the impact of lower passenger and freight volumes. Non-aeronautical revenues critically determine the financial viability of an airport as they tend to generate higher profit margins than aeronautical services, which are typically cost recovery only, or operate at a deficit," said Angela, according to the statement.
For this year, the perspective is one of growth. According to the ACI, by the end of the year, there should be a 6% increase in passengers and a 15% increase in air freight. To the organization, 2010 has been a much better year than expected.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
