Air cargo demand hit record highs year-to-date in July, with strong growth across all regions, according to the latest update from the International Air Transport Association (Iata).
Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs*), rose 13.6% in July compared to 2023 levels (14.3% for international operations), marking the eighth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year (y-o-y) growth, with overall levels reaching heights not seen since the record peaks of 2021.
Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs*), increased by 8.3% compared to last July (10.1% for international operations).
This was largely related to the growth in international belly capacity, which rose 12.8% on the strength of passenger markets and balancing the 6.9% growth of international freighter capacity, Iata explains. The increase in belly capacity is, however, the lowest in 40 months, whereas the growth in freighter capacity is the highest since an exceptional jump was recorded in January 2024.
“The air cargo business continues 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 up 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,” said Willie Walsh, Iata’s director general.
At a regional level, African airlines saw 6.2% y-o-y demand growth for air cargo in July – the lowest of all regions and their lowest recorded figure in 2024. Demand on the Africa–Asia market increased by 15.4% compared to July 2023 while capacity increased by 10.5% y-o-y.
- CTK measures actual cargo traffic
ACTK measures available total cargo capacity
