“February’s demand growth of 11.9% far outpaced the 0.9% expansion in cross-border trade. This strong start for 2024 could see demand surpass the exceptionally high levels of early 2022. It also shows air cargo’s strong resilience in the face of continuing political and economic uncertainties,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Several factors in the operating environment should be noted:
Air cargo market in detail – February 2024
February 2024
(% year-on-year) World share1 CTK ACTK CLF (%-pt) CLF (level)
Total Market 100% 11.9% 13.4% -0.6% 45.1%
Africa 2.0% 22.0% 28.2% -2.3% 45.1%
Asia Pacific 33.3% 11.9% 23.1% -4.3% 43.2%
Europe 21.4% 14.6% 13.2% 0.7% 58.4%
Latin America 2.8% 13.7% 8.9% 1.6% 37.6%
Middle East 13.5% 20.9% 16.2% 1.8% 46.3%
North America 26.9% 4.2% 1.9% 0.9% 39.6%
1% of industry CTKs in 2023
February Regional Performance
Asia-Pacific airlines saw 11.9% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in February. This was a significant decrease compared to January’s 24.3% year-on-year growth, likely related to slowing activity after the Lunar New Year celebrations. Capacity increased by 23.1% year-on-year as belly capacity came online with recovery in the passenger business.
North American carriers saw 4.2% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in February—the weakest among all regions. Demand on the North America–Europe trade lane grew by 5.2% year-on-year while Asia–North America grew by 3.9% year-on-year. February capacity increased by 1.9% year-on-year.
European carriers saw 14.6% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in February. Intra-European air cargo rose by 24.5% year-on-year—the strongest performance in almost three years. Europe – Middle East routes saw demand grow by 39.3% year-on-year, while Europe – North America expanded by 5.2% year-on-year. February capacity increased 13.2% year-on-year.
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