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IATA: Global air cargo demand continues to rise for 18th consecutive month

IATA released its January 2025 air cargo figures, recording a 3.2% increase in global demand compared to January 2024, marking the 18th consecutive month of growth. Capacity also grew by 6.8% in the period.

The operating environment was boosted by higher industrial production (+2.6%) and global merchandise trade (+3.3%) in December. The global manufacturing PMI reached 50.62, indicating growth, while inflation rose slightly in the US (3.0%), Europe (2.8%) and China (0.5%).

By region, Latin America led demand growth (+11.2%), followed by the Middle East (+8.4%) and Asia-Pacific (+7.5%). North America grew by 5.3%, Europe grew by 1.3%, while Africa recorded a decline of 3.4%.

Trade lanes continued to expand, driven by e-commerce in the US and Europe, despite restrictions on shipping.

Performance by region in January 2025...Asia-Pacific carriers reported a 7.5% increase in air cargo demand in January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Capacity grew 10.9% year-over-year.

North American carriers reported a 5.3% increase in air cargo demand in January 2025 compared to January 2024. Capacity climbed 7.5% year-over-year.

European carriers reported a 1.3% increase in air cargo demand in January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Capacity grew 3.5% year-over-year.

Middle Eastern carriers reported an 8.4% increase in air cargo demand in January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Capacity increased by 1.2% year-on-year.

Latin American carriers reported an 11.2% increase in air cargo demand in January 2025 versus January 2024, the highest among regions. Capacity increased by 10.6% year-on-year.

African carriers reported a 3.4% decrease in air cargo demand in January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, the lowest among regions. Capacity increased by 5.4% year-on-year.

Trade lane growth: Most international routes showed growth in January 2025. Airlines are benefiting from strong e-commerce demand in the United States and Europe amid ongoing capacity constraints in ocean shipping.