Globally, air cargo demand rose by 10.3% compared to March 2023. This positive trend is fueled by a moderate increase in global trade and industrial production. While capacity (ACTKs) grew at a slower rate (7.3%), it reflects the industry’s efforts to meet rising demand for air freight services.
Regional Roundup:
- Asia-Pacific: The region leads the pack with a whopping 14.3% year-on-year growth, driven by strong performance on routes connecting Asia to Europe and within Asia itself.
- North America: Airlines in this region saw the weakest demand growth (0.9%) with a slight decrease in capacity.
- Europe: European carriers witnessed a solid 10.0% growth, with intra-European routes experiencing a significant boost (24.7%).
- Middle East: The Middle East boasts the strongest growth globally (19.9%), with the Middle East-Europe route leading the charge.
- Latin America and Africa: Both regions reported positive growth (9.2% and 14.2% respectively). However, African airlines saw a slight dip in demand on the Africa-Asia route compared to February 2024.
Africa’s Takeoff:
Despite facing challenges, Africa’s air cargo industry is demonstrating resilience and significant growth potential. This expansion contributes not only to the continent’s economic development but also facilitates global trade.
Looking Ahead:
The air cargo industry is a dynamic landscape. Stakeholders are keeping a close eye on trends and implementing strategic measures to capitalize on new opportunities and navigate evolving challenges in the coming months.
