Prime Highlights
- Global air cargo demand rose 4.1% year-on-year in October, marking the eighth consecutive month of growth.
- Middle Eastern carriers led momentum with a 5.7% increase in demand and the strongest capacity expansion globally.
Key Facts
- Asia-Pacific airlines saw demand grow 8.3%, while African carriers surged 16.6%, but North and Latin American airlines both fell 2.7%.
- Key trade lanes with strong growth included Europe–Asia (11.7%), Middle East–Asia (11.5%), and Asia–Africa (10.9%).
Background
Global air cargo markets strengthened in October, with worldwide demand reaching its highest level on record. Latest figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show global cargo demand increased 4.1% year on year, marking the eighth straight month of growth.
Middle Eastern carriers continued to build momentum, reporting a 5.7% rise in demand. The region also delivered the strongest capacity expansion globally, with available capacity up 10% from a year earlier. IATA said these gains came even as airspace limits and shifting routes affected long-haul operations.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh said the growth pattern signals that air cargo is helping global supply chains adjust to the effects of US tariffs. He noted that October saw near double-digit growth on key lanes across Asia and between the Middle East and Europe.
Industry growth aligned with early signs of improving global production. September goods trade rose 5.3%, while world industrial output increased 3.7%, the fastest pace in more than six months. The global purchasing managers’ index climbed for a third month to 51.45, although export orders stayed in contraction.
Regional performance varied widely. Asia-Pacific airlines posted an 8.3% rise in demand, while European carriers grew 4.3%. African airlines led all regions with a 16.6% surge. In contrast, North American and Latin American carriers both saw demand fall 2.7%.
Trade lane data showed strong gains on Europe–Asia (11.7%), Middle East–Asia (11.5%), and Asia–Africa (10.9%), while Asia–North America slipped for the sixth straight month.
Walsh said the strong October performance highlights resilience as the industry enters its peak fourth-quarter shipping season.