Air freight rates held

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32635, 17 June 1971, Page 2

Air freight rates held

/New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, June 16.

Cargo rates for New Zealand’s biggest air export market have been pegged at their present level by hard bargaining by an Air New Zealand team in Singapore. But there has been an increase for small consignments, such as single packets, ranging from 10 per cent to 25 per cent, depending on the size and the destination.

Small reductions, intended as incentives, were won by the team for general cargo for developing markets in North America and Europe.

Headed by Mr G. R. Mylea, industrial affairs manager, and Mr R. G. Mcßae, cargo development controller, the team has just returned after nearly five weeks at. the International Air Transport Association cargo conference.

Announcing the moves today, Air New Zealand said the continuation of incentives for New Zealanders to export

was ensured. Airline circles greeted the news with astonishment, in view of the world-wide trend for air cargo rates to rise between 3 per cent and 5 per cent. In three broad areas, general cargo rates have been protected for New Zealand exporters. Between this country and Australia, the Orient and the Pacific Islands there has been no change in general cargo rates. Between New Zealand and North America, reductions in shipments of 100 to 500 kilos and upwards range from 2c to 8c a kilo, as part of the drive to encourage exports to the United States and Ctaada. From New Zealand to Europe, reductions of 1 per cent in normal rates are available on shipments of 500 kilos and above. There will be no increase in the ' “commodity - rate,” which covers exports including meat, cheese, butter, leather goods, yam and carpets. The rates, which are still subject to Governmental approval, will come into effect from October 1, and will apply for two years.