The FAI Climbed 5.9 Percent

The FAI climbed 5.9 percent year-on-year in the first 11 months of 2018, quickening from the 5.7-percent growth in Jan-Oct, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Friday in an online statement.

The key indicator of investment, dubbed a major growth driver, hit the bottom in August and has since started to rebound steadily.

In the face of emerging economic challenges home and abroad, China has stepped up efforts to stabilize investment, in particular rolling out measures to motivate private investors and channel funds into infrastructure.

Friday's data showed private investment, accounting for more than 60 percent of the total FAI, expanded by a brisk 8.7 percent.

NBS spokesperson Mao Shengyong said funds into weak economic links registered rapid increases as investment in environmental protection and agriculture jumped 42 percent and 12.5 percent respectively, much faster than the average.

In breakdown, investment in high-tech and equipment manufacturing remained vigorous with 16.1-percent and 11.6-percent increases respectively in the first 11 months. Infrastructure investment gained 3.7 percent, staying flat. Investment in property development rose 9.7 percent, also unchanged.

The FAI Climbed 5.9 Percent: Air Traffic Soars Despite Pandemic Challenges

Dublin, Ireland – The Flight Airline Information (FAI) reported a 5.9 percent year-on-year increase in global air traffic for the month of July, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The upturn in demand continues as more countries begin to reopen their borders and airlines introduce new safety measures to ensure passenger health and safety.

The FAI tracks air traffic movements globally and provides real-time information to airlines and airports. Its recent report shows that airports in Asia-Pacific and Europe experienced the highest increases in traffic, with 8.5 percent and 7.7 percent growth respectively. North America and Africa also saw significant growth, with increases of 5.1 percent and 4.9 percent respectively.

The report comes as a welcome sign of recovery for the aviation industry, which has been severely impacted by the pandemic. Airline revenues have plummeted due to travel restrictions and quarantine measures, leading to job losses across the industry. Despite the challenges, airlines have been working to facilitate safe and sustainable travel, implementing measures such as mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing on flights, and increased cleaning and disinfection protocols.

In addition, many airlines have introduced flexible booking options, including free date changes and cancellations, to encourage passenger confidence in booking flights again. The increased demand and revenues will help airlines to reinvest in sustainability initiatives, including the development of eco-friendly fuels and technologies to reduce carbon emissions.

The FAI report also highlighted the challenges faced by the aviation industry. The pandemic has led to an increase in operational costs for airlines, including the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff, increased cleaning and disinfection measures, and retrofitting aircraft with new safety measures. Airlines have also had to contend with constantly changing travel restrictions and quarantine measures, making it difficult to plan and execute flight schedules.

Despite the challenges, the industry is cautiously optimistic about a gradual recovery over the coming months. More countries are opening their borders to international travelers, and airlines are slowly starting to increase flight schedules. However, the continuing spread of the virus and uncertainty surrounding travel restrictions means that the industry still has a long way to go before it can fully recover.

In response to the report, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the increase in air traffic but called for more support for the aviation industry. The organization urged governments to implement measures such as tax relief and financial support to help airlines weather the impact of the pandemic and ensure their survival.

In conclusion, the increase in global air traffic reported by the FAI is a positive sign for the aviation industry and for travelers alike. Despite the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, airlines are working to ensure safe and sustainable travel for passengers and to facilitate the recovery of the industry. However, governments must continue to provide support to the industry to help it survive and thrive in the months and years ahead.