Air cargo demand up 8.3% in November: IATA

GENEVA: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for November 2023 global air cargo markets indicating the strongest year-on-year growth in roughly two years. This is partly due to weakness in November 2022, but also reflects a fourth consecutive month of strengthening demand for air cargo. Global demand for air cargo, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), increased by 8.3 percent compared to November 2022. For international operations, demand growth was 8.1 percent. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs), was up 13.7 percent compared to November 2022 (+11.6 percent for international operations). Most of the capacity growth continues to be attributable to the increase in belly capacity as international passenger markets continue their post-COVID recovery. Compared to November 2019 (pre-COVID-19), demand is down 2.5 percent while capacity is up 4.1 percent. 'November air cargo demand was up 8.3 percent on 2022-the strongest year-on-year growth in almost two years. That is a doubling of October's 3.8 percent increase and a fourth month of positive market development. It is shaping up to be an encouraging year-end for air cargo despite the significant economic concerns that were present throughout 2023 and continue on the horizon,' said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director-General. Source: Emirates News Agency