Air cargo demand increases by 13.6 percent in the first half of 2024 – IATA

The total global air cargo tonne-kilometers increased by 13.6 percent from January to July 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

The International Air Transport Association disclosed this in a recent statement.

According to IATA, African airlines saw 6.2 percent year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in July, the lowest of all regions and its lowest recorded figure in 2024.

IATA explained that this was the eighth consecutive month of double-digit growth, with overall levels reaching heights not seen since the record peaks of 2021.

The global regulator further hinted that capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers, increased by 8.3 percent compared to July 2023, when it stood at 10.1 percent for international operations.

Reacting to the report, IATA’s Director-General, Willie Walsh, explained that air cargo demand hit record highs year-to-date in July with strong growth across all regions.

The air cargo business, he stressed, continued to benefit from growth in global trade, booming e-commerce and capacity constraints on maritime shipping.

“With the peak season still to come, it is shaping to be a very strong year for air cargo. And airlines have proven adept at navigating political and economic uncertainties to flexibly meet emerging demand trends,” he added.