05 July 2024

AIR CARGO DEMAND CONTINUES GROWING IN MAY

On 2 July, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its latest data on global air freight markets, highlighting a robust growth in demand.

Compared to May 2023, total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), increased by 14.7% (15.5% for international operations). This marks the sixth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs), increased by 6.7% compared to May 2023 (10.2% for international operations).

European carriers experienced a 17.2% year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in March, with intra-European air cargo increasing by 25.6% year-on-year, marking the fifth month in a row of double-digit annual growth. Routes between Europe and the Middle East saw demand growing by 33.8, with capacity in May increased 11.9% year-on-year.

Mr Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General, indicated that the sector benefitted from trade growth, booming e-commerce and capacity constraints on maritime shipping. He also noted that the outlook remains largely positive with purchasing managers showing expectations for future growth.

Source: IATA