SIXTY-NINE per cent of those polled by London's International Freighting Weekly said more carriers would follow Japan Airlines' (JAL) decision and scrap their freighter fleets and restrict cargo to passenger bellyholds.
Citing tough market conditions going forward, JAL last month announced it would terminate services for all 10 of its freighters, which are made up of a combination of B767-300s and B747-400s, by October this year.
Industry observers have warned that JAL's move will likely lead to a capacity shortage, and consequently higher rates. UK cargo operator MK Airlines recently suspended its operations due to financial problems.
(Source: www.schednet.com)