African airlines experienced a 6.2 percent year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in July, marking the lowest growth rate among all regions and their weakest performance in 2024, according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The Africa-Asia market, however, showed a 15.4 percent increase in demand compared to July 2023. Capacity in the region also grew by 10.5 percent year-on-year.
"July's figures reflect slower year-on-year demand and capacity compared with June, which saw an 11.8 percent rise in demand and a 23.8 percent increase in capacity," IATA said.
Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), climbed 13.6 percent in July from a year earlier, with international operations up 14.3 percent.
"This marks the eighth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth, with overall levels approaching the record peaks of 2021," the update noted.
Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs), rose by 8.3 percent year-on-year in July, with international operations up 10.1 percent.
"This increase was largely driven by a 12.8 percent growth in international belly capacity, supported by strong passenger markets, while international freighter capacity grew by 6.9 percent. Notably, the belly capacity increase was the lowest in 40 months, whereas freighter capacity growth was the highest since a significant surge in January 2024."
Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General, commented, "Air cargo demand reached record highs year-to-date in July, with robust growth across all regions.
The air cargo sector continues to benefit from expanding global trade, booming e-commerce, and constraints in maritime shipping capacity. With the peak season still ahead, this year is shaping up to be very strong for air cargo. Airlines have demonstrated their ability to navigate political and economic uncertainties and adapt to emerging demand trends."
In other regions, Asia-Pacific airlines led with a 17.6 percent year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in July, the highest among all regions. Within-Asia trade lanes saw a 19.8 percent rise, while the Europe-Asia, Middle East-Asia, and Asia-Africa routes grew by 17.9 percent, 15.9 percent, and 15.4 percent, respectively. Capacity in the region expanded by 11.3 percent.
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North American carriers reported an 8.7 percent year-on-year growth in demand, affected by flight cancellations and airport closures in the US and the Caribbean due to Hurricane Beryl.
The Asia-North America trade lane, the largest by volume, saw a 10.8 percent increase, while the North America-Europe route posted a modest 5.3 percent rise. Capacity in North America grew by 7 percent year-on-year.
European carriers recorded a 13.7 percent year-on-year demand growth in July, led by a 32.2 percent surge on the Middle East-Europe trade lane, which has seen double-digit annual growth since September 2023.
The Europe-Asia route grew by 17.9 percent, and within Europe, demand rose by 15.5 percent. Capacity in Europe increased by 7.6 percent year-on-year.
Middle Eastern carriers saw a 14.7 percent year-on-year growth in demand, with the Middle East-Europe route performing particularly well, surging 32.2 percent. The Middle East-Asia route grew by 15.9 percent year-on-year, while overall capacity in the region increased by 4.4 percent.
Latin American carriers experienced an 11.1 percent year-on-year rise in demand, though growth was hindered by flight cancellations and airport closures in the U.S. and the Caribbean due to Hurricane Beryl. Capacity in the region increased by 9.4 percent year-on-year.
