Air Freight Strong Performance Continues

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released October data for global air freight markets showing that the strong performance of air cargo in recent months is continuing. Demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTK), rose 5.4% in October compared to October 2013. This out-stripped capacity which grew by 4.4%. Compared to September demand grew by 0.7% bringing freight volumes to a new record monthly high.

The good results reflect the improvements in world trade and business activity which have been evident since the summer. World trade is growing steadily, supporting increased air cargo shipments. Regional differentiation in performance, however, is very apparent. Carriers in the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific saw demand grow faster than the global trend, while North America, Europe and Latin America grew more slowly. More significantly, however, carriers in all regions except for Europe improved on their year-to-date performance. Cargo demand for European carriers grew by a weak 1.4% compared to the previous October, reflecting economic uncertainty and the impact of sanctions as a result of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

“We are now back to levels of demand not seen since the 2010 post-recession bounce-back. But the industry is still in the hot seat and under pressure to improve its value offering. Customer expectations have evolved dramatically. Other modes of cargo have improved their competitiveness. Shippers expect the efficiency of electronic processes that they experience in almost every other sector. And when shipping specialty products—such as those requiring cold chain control—they expect quality from end-to-end. The industry is investing to build its future by meeting these expectations,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Analysis in detail

• Asia-Pacific carriers reported a 6.7% increase in FTKs, boosted by the release of the iPhone 6, and solid increases in trade and exports from emerging Asian economies. Looking forward, the rate of growth in the Chinese economy continues to slow down which may impact on air cargo. Capacity grew 5.7%.
• European airlines improved cargo volumes by 1.4%. The Eurozone economy only just avoided recession in the third quarter. Poor business confidence and the ongoing sanctions against Russia will continue to weigh on European cargo in the months ahead. Capacity expanded 4.4%.
• North American carriers recorded an increase of 3.1% in October. Growth was slower than the September figure of 5.4%, but the overall trend is showing an acceleration on growth for the year-to-date (2.7%). Underlying indicators are positive, which bodes well for increased cargo growth in the future. Capacity contracted 1.2%.
• Middle Eastern carriers once again recorded double-digit increases, expanding 13.0%. Carriers in the region have diversified, expanding their services in perishables and linking growing markets in Asia and Africa. Capacity expanded 15.8%.
• Latin American airlines’ grew FTKs by 4.1% year-on-year. This solid growth reverses the trend from September, when volumes fell 0.7%. Stronger export growth across Latin America is supporting better air cargo performance. Capacity grew 2.3%.
• African airlines’ reported strong growth of 9.6% year-on-year. Regional trade volumes are still volatile, but the improvement in key economies such as South Africa is supporting this improvement. Capacity fell 2.4%. 
   

View October Air Freight Results (pdf)