Freight Air Freight raises up 6.8% in February

  • IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released the results for global air freight for February 2018, which see an increase of 6.8%.

  • 7

According to the report, February 2018 brought a 6.8% increase in demand compared to February 2017, measured in freight tonne kilometres. By combining results for January and February 2018, the demand for air freight increased by 7.7%, meaning the strongest start to a year since four years. Measured in available freight tonne kilometres (AFTKs), demand grew by 5.6% compared to 2017.

The growth in air freight demand can be related to consistent robust global trade flows.

IATA stated that for the 19th month in a row, demand growth overtook capacity. This is positive for financial results and airline yields.

However, the IATA warned that the upturn for air cargo has passed. The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for export orders and manufacturing weakened in several key exporting nations such as China, the US and Germany. Furthermore, drivers for air cargo are moving away from supportive levels, a trend, which developed over the past years.

Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's Director General and CEO added: "Demand for air cargo continues to be strong with 6.8% growth in February. The positive outlook for the rest of 2018, however, faces some potentially strong headwinds, including escalation of protectionist measures into a full-blown trade war. Prosperity grows when borders are open to people and to trade, and we are all held back when they are not."

In February 2018, especially African carriersĀ“ reported strong demand increase in air freight.

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Source © iata.org

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