Global Air Freight Demand Stronger In July

Air freight demand grew 5 percent in July, the fastest rate for 18 months, IATA said in its monthly update.

The increase, in freight tonne kilometre terms, showed wide regional variation with Europe up 7.2 percent, the Middle East up 6.7 percent and Asia-Pacific up 4.9 percent. In contrast, Africa was down 6.8 percent and Latin America dropped 5.6 percent.

Available capacity increased overall by 5.2 percent in July, with Africa lading the pack with a sturdy 31.3 percent lift. Asia-Pacific raised capacity by only 2.7 percent in the month.

"July was a positive month for air freight,” IATA’s new Director General Alexandre de Juniac said. “Despite that, we must recognise that we face some strong headwinds… Global trade growth is sluggish and business confidence is weak.”