International air cargo up more than four per cent in August

Data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Geneva yesterday revealed total demand for global air cargo trending up by 4.1 per cent compared to August 2024 levels.

The IATA represents 350 airlines, representing more than 80 per cent of the world’s global air traffic.

Its statistics cover international and domestic scheduled air cargo for IATA member and non-member airlines.

It reported that total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 4.1 per cent and capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 3.7 per cent compared to August 2024.

IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh says the results continued a positive trend for the year so far.

“Air cargo demand grew 4.1 per cent in August, marking the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth,” Walsh says.

“Volumes continue to grow even as global trade patterns change.

“Air cargo has benefitted from a shift from sea for some high value goods as shippers try to minimise the risk of tariff changes.

“And growth patterns indicate some being diverted away from North America, fuelling stronger growth for the Europe–Asia, within Asia, Africa–Asia, and Middle East–Asia trade lanes.

“This adaptability is vital as shippers navigate the evolving landscape of US tariff policy.”

The IATA report also noted key elements of the air freight task that could be contributing to the rise, including growth in the global goods trade of 4 per cent, year-on-year in July, and jet fuel prices in August that were 6.4 per cent lower, year-on-year.

It also says global manufacturing in August showed rising optimism in manufacturing PMI, with a rebound to 51.75, the strongest reading since June 2024 and that sentiment on new export orders, however, remains below 50 at 48.73, reflecting persistent caution amid tariff uncertainty.

Key elements from the report are captured below.

Air Cargo Market in Detail

(*1) % of industry CTKs in 2024    (*2) Year-on-year change in load factor     (*3) Load factor level

August Regional Performance

Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 9.8% year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in August. Capacity increased by 6.9% year-on-year.

North American carriers saw a 2.1% year-on-year decrease in growth for air cargo in August, the slowest growth of all regions. Capacity decreased by 1.0% year-on-year.

European carriers saw a 3.2% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August. Capacity increased 4.2% year-on-year.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 2.7% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August. Capacity increased by 4.3% year-on-year.

Latin American carriers saw a 2.1% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August. Capacity increased by 5.0% year-on-year.

African airlines saw a 11.0% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August, the strongest rise of all regions. Capacity increased by 12.3% year-on-year.

Trade Lane Growth

Air freight volumes in August 2025 increased significantly across most major trade corridors. Europe–Asia and Within Asia posted robust double-digit growth, while Middle East–Asia, North America-Europe, and Africa-Asia also saw notable gains. In contrast, Asia–North America, Middle East–Europe, and Within Europe recorded declines.

*Share is based on full-year 2024 CTKs.