Mexican express operator Estafeta increased its volumes by 12.5% in the first half of 2008 despitea 6% drop in overall air cargo volumes in Mexico due to the impact of the slowing US economy, local
media reported.The leading express company handled a daily average of 58,800 shipments at its national hubat San Luis Potosí, in northern-central Mexico, which was equivalent to 180 tonnes a day.
“Our results in the first half-year are satisfactory. We grew by 12.5% in cargo volumes, 5.5%in domestic cargo and 48.1% in international,” director general José Antonio Armendáriz was citedas saying. “We are convinced that we could grow even more if we were able to operate new stationsabroad on the same conditions as other airlines, just we already do in Miami,” he commented.
The Mexican express market is facing difficult conditions due to higher fuel prices and theUS economic recession, according to the Estafeta chief. Foreign carriers reduced their capacity inthe Mexican market by 15% in the first half-year while local airlines grew by 7.1%, he said. ButArmendáriz stressed: “Air cargo is a critical factor for the country’s competitiveness, although westill have to do much so that this sector can become a true catalyst for the national economy.”& amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; #160;
Estafeta is investing some $30 million (€19 million) in its air network and infrastructurethis year. The bulk of the investment will go on a runway extension at its hub at San Luis Potosíin northern-central Mexico that will enable international flight operations. It has also added twoBombardier CRJ jets with capacity of five tonnes to its fleet of five B737 cargo planes, which havecapacity of about 14 tonnes and operate to 12 destinations within Mexico and abroad. Other newcentres are planned in central Mexico.
In 2007, Estafeta increased net sales by 13% to $250 million and carried 25 millionshipments. It said at the start of this year that it is targeting 15% revenue growth this year,partly to be generated through a new LTL trucking service covering Mexico and the USA.
