Cargo Growth Continues to Accelerate in September

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing an acceleration of demand in September.

Measured by freight tonne kilometers (FTKs), volumes rose 5.2% compared to September last year, which is 0.8 percentage points ahead of the 4.4% average growth in demand reported for the year-to-date. Capacity grew by 3.8%.

Although the overall growth rate continues the positive trend of recent months, regional variations are significant.

Airlines in Asia-Pacific, North America, Middle East and Africa all posted strong growth figures (between 5% and 17% above previous year levels).

European airlines, however, saw a decline of 1.6% compared to September 2013 and Latin American airlines reported little difference from 2013 with just 0.3% growth.

“There were mixed messages in September’s freight performance. The solid 5.7% growth for Asia Pacific airlines is a particularly positive sign given their 40% market share. But the 1.6% decline in demand for European airlines is a worrying trend that reflects the general uncertainty in the European economy amplified by sanctions resulting from the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Overall, improvements in global business confidence have stagnated—which could mean a bumpy road ahead for air cargo,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s director general and CEO.