Sustained growth for air transport in 2007
Transport of passengers and goods through Dutch airports continued to grow in 2007. The volume of air cargo and passengers shipped to and from China has increased substantially in recent years. China is currently the most important partner of the Netherlands for air cargo transport.
Most passengers travel within the European Union
In 2007, close to 51 million passengers travelled through Dutch airports a 4 percent increase relative to 2006. Nearly 60 percent travelled within the European Union (EU); 70 percent travelled within Europe. Most of them – more than 8 million – travelled to and from the United Kingdom. With 5 million passengers, Spain was runner-up. Most passengers on intercontinental flights travelled between Europe and the United States (4.8 million).
Transport of passengers through Dutch airports
China Netherlands’ most important air cargo partner
The total volume of cargo transported to and from Dutch airports increased by 5.5 percent in 2007 to 1.7 million tons. Since 2001, the volume of goods transported by air has gradually grown each year. The bulk of air cargo comes from or is destined for airports beyond the EU. No more than 2.5 percent of all air cargo is shipped to EU member states.
Traditionally, the United States (US) was the most important air cargo partner of the Netherlands, but last year the US was ousted by China for the first time. In 2007, the Netherlands carried 0.33 million tons of goods to and from China, as against 0.29 million tons to and from the US.
Air cargo transport through Dutch airports
Volume of air mail shrinking
Last year, the volume of airmail sent to and from the Netherlands indeed rose marginally, but was still far below the level of 2001. Until 2001, the volume of airmail had grown on an annual basis, but after 2001 a period of decline set in. The decline is assumed to relate to intensified use of the Internet as a source of communication.
Globally, the bulk of airmail comes from and goes to the US. Within the EU, Spain is the most important country with respect to airmail traffic.
Airmail shipped through Dutch airports
Wick Schaafstra