January 10, 2018

Global air freight demand kept increasing in November

According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air cargo volumes climbed 8.8% in November compared to the year-earlier period. This was an increase from the 5.8% annual growth recorded in October 2017.

IATA says it appears that despite indicators pointing to air cargo having passed a cyclical growth peak, demand remains strong.

Airlines in all regions reported an increase in total year-on-year demand in November. North American carriers posted an increase in freight volumes of 9.6% and European airlines saw a 9.9% increase in freight demand. Asia-Pacific airlines saw their freight volumes increase by 8.1%, while Middle Eastern carriers' year-on-year freight volumes increased 6.6%. Latin American airlines experienced a growth in demand of 9.4% and African carriers posted the largest year-on-year increase in demand of all regions, with freight volumes rising 17.5%.

"Air freight demand remains robust. November showed 8.8% year-on-year growth, keeping up the momentum that will make 2017 the strongest year for air cargo since 2010. And there are several indicators that 2018 will be a good year as well. In particular, buoyant consumer confidence, the growth of international e-commerce and the broad-based global economic upturn are cause for optimism as we head into the New Year," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's Director General and CEO