Available cargo capacity (ACTK) also increased by 2 per cent YoY, contributing to a slight 0.1 percentage point rise in the global cargo load factor (CLF), which reached 44.5 per cent. International cargo demand, as measured by international CTKs, rose by 3 per cent during the same period.
“Air cargo demand globally grew 2.2 per cent in May. That is encouraging news as a 10.7 per cent drop in traffic on the Asia to North America trade lane illustrated the dampening effect of shifting US trade policies. Even as these policies evolve, already we can see the air cargo sector’s well-tested resilience helping shippers to accommodate supply chain needs to flexibly hold back, re-route or accelerate deliveries,” said Willie Walsh, director general at IATA.
Key indicators include a 6.8 per cent rise in air cargo volumes in April 2025, outpacing global goods trade growth of 3.8 per cent. World industrial production increased by 2.6 per cent, while jet fuel prices in May were 18.8 per cent lower year-on-year. However, global manufacturing showed signs of stress with the PMI at 49.1, indicating contraction, and export orders remained subdued at 48, IATA said in a press release.
Regionally, Asia-Pacific carriers led with 8.3 per cent growth in demand and a 5.7 per cent capacity rise, pushing their CLF up by 1.1 percentage points to 46.1 per cent. North American carriers faced the steepest decline with CTK dropping 5.8 per cent and ACTK by 3.2 per cent. Their CLF fell to 38.2 per cent.
European airlines saw a 1.6 per cent increase in demand and a 1.5 per cent rise in capacity, maintaining the highest CLF at 51.8 per cent. Middle Eastern, Latin American, and African airlines posted mixed performances, with Africa experiencing a 2.1 per cent drop in demand against a 2.7 per cent capacity rise.
On trade lanes, Europe–Asia continued to shine with 13.4 per cent growth, marking 27 consecutive months of gains. Middle East–Asia and Within Asia trade saw robust performances, growing 10.8 and 9.1 per cent respectively. Europe–North America also sustained momentum with 8.2 per cent growth.
Conversely, Asia–North America and Africa–Asia suffered significant contractions at -10.7 and -14.6 per cent, respectively, reflecting trade shifts and logistical pressures, added the release.
ALCHEMPro News Desk (SG)
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