The total global air cargo tonne-kilometres increased by 13.6 per cent compared to the same period in 2023, the International Air Transport Association has said.

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

 This was contained in a recent statement by IATA.

 IATA noted 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 hinted that capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres, increased by 8.3 per cent compared to July 2023, when it stood at 10.1 per cent for international operations.

IATA said that this was largely related to the growth in international belly capacity, which rose 12.8 per cent on the strength of passenger markets and balancing the 6.9 per cent growth of international freighter capacity.

It noted that the increase in belly capacity was the lowest in 40 months, whereas the growth in freighter capacity was the highest since an exceptional jump was recorded in January.

Commenting on the development, 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 emphasised, 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.

Air cargo demand rises by 13.6% – IATA (punchng.com)