According to data for May released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air cargo total demand measured in cargo tonne-kilometers increased by 2.2% compared to May 2024 levels (+3.0% for international operations).
Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 2.0% compared to May 2024 (+2.6% for international operations).
A significant decrease in the Asia-North America trade lane was expected, and happened, as the effect of front-loading faded (moving goods to market in advance of tariffs coming into effect) and changes to the de-minimis exemption on small package shipments (particularly those associated with e-commerce) were enforced.
North American carriers saw a -5.8% year-on-year decrease in air cargo in May, the lowest performance of all regions. Capacity decreased by -3.2% year-on-year.
European carriers saw 1.6% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in May. Capacity increased 1.5% year-on-year.
Asia-Pacific airlines saw 8.3% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in May, the strongest growth of all regions. Capacity increased by 5.7% year-on-year.
Source: IATA
