According to data for the month of April released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) global air cargo demand rose by 11.1% in April, compared to April 2023 levels (11.6% for international operations). This is the fifth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth.
Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), increased by 7.1% compared to April 2023 (10.2% for international operations).
North American carriers saw 7.0% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in April -the weakest among all regions. Demand on the Asia-North America trade lane grew by 7.3% year-on-year, while the North America-Europe route saw an increase of 5.6%, marking the largest demand growth for this route since September 2022.
Asia-Pacific airlines saw 14.0% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in April – the strongest of all regions. Demand within the Asia market grew by 13.2% compared to April 2023, and the Asia-Europe route grew by 17.7%.
European carriers saw 12.7% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in April and Middle Eastern carriers saw 9.4% year-on-year demand growth.
Latin American carriers saw 11.7% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo and African airlines saw 10.6% year-on-year demand growth.
Source: IATA