Aviation sector upbeat - survey

Improving economic sentiment has boosted optimism in the transport sector according to results just released of a global transport survey conducted by legal practice Norton Rose Fulbright. The company’s fifth “The Way Ahead” survey reveals that three-quarters (75%) of respondents believe current conditions are positive for their business and 47% see new opportunities emerging. Four out of five (82%) respondents believe passenger numbers and freight volumes will rise and 66% expect fares and freights to increase. Forty percent anticipate that a greater proportion of their funding will be allocated to investment as opposed to operating costs. China is the most popular market for investment in the next two to five years, according to 30% of respondents, followed by Western Europe (27%) and North America (22%). Investment in additional assets and in developing new markets are considered the most worthwhile investment opportunities for the aviation and shipping sectors, while rail views investment in infrastructure as most advantageous for their business. “The aviation, rail and shipping sectors are all putting in place plans to expand their business in line with an anticipated rise in passenger numbers and freight volumes,” said global head of transport, Harry Theochari. “China is seen as a key market for the aviation and shipping sectors in particular." he said.