A two-week long pilot strike at Air France, a slowdown in European economies and the impact of sanctions on Russia led to a 1.6 percent decline in air freight volumes in Europe in September, an industry body said on Monday. “The Russia-Ukraine crisis and ensuing EU sanctions have resulted in downward pressure on growth momentum in the region, including key economies like Germany,” the International Air Transport Association said in its monthly cargo figures. Overall, global air cargo volumes rose 5.2 percent in September, up from 3.8 percent in August, IATA said. The release of the latest Apple iPhone also provided a boost to air freight demand, IATA said. The association said the outlook for some regions was better, but warned of risks ahead given latest economic indicators. “Overall, improvements in global business confidence have stagnated - which could mean a bumpy road ahead for air cargo,” IATA Director General Tony Tyler said.