Air Cargo Demand up 5.8%: International Air Transport Association

Total demand, measured in cargo ton-kilometers (CTK), rose by 5.8% compared to April 2024 levels (+6.5% for international operations), according to data released by The International Air Transport Association (IATA). What’s more, capacity, measured in available cargo ton-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 6.3% compared to April 2024 (+6.9% for international operations). 

“Air cargo demand grew strongly in April, with volumes up 5.8% year-on-year, building on March’s solid performance. Seasonal demand for fashion and consumer goods—frontloading ahead of U.S. tariff changes—and lower jet fuel prices have combined to boost air cargo. With available capacity at record levels and yields improving, the outlook for air cargo is encouraging. While April brought good news, stresses in world trade are no secret. Shifts in trade policy, particularly in the US, are already reshaping demand and export dynamics. Airlines will need to remain flexible as the situation develops over the coming months," says Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.

Key takeaways:

•    Year-on-year, world industrial production rose 3.2% in March. Air cargo growth outpaced global goods trade, which increased by 6.5% over the previous month.

•    Jet fuel prices dropped 21.2% year-on-year and 4.1% month-on-month, the third consecutive monthly decrease. 

•    The global manufacturing PMI rose to 50.5 in April, signaling expansion for the fourth consecutive month. However, the PMI for new export orders fell 2.8 points to 47.2, remaining below the 50 threshold for growth.

·        North American carriers saw 4.2% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in April. Capacity increased by 4.6% year-on-year.