Air cargo plays an important role in the global economy, providing a fast and efficient way to transport goods around the world. Due to the boom in the e-commerce sector, air cargo demand has continued to outpace growth in both trade and production since the fourth quarter of 2019. 2023. According to data from the International Air Transport Association, air cargo demand rose 18.4% in January from a year earlier. Total air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne kilometers (CTK), increased by 18.4% on January 2023 levels (19.8% for international operations). This significant increase marks the highest annual growth rate in cargo tonne kilometers (CTK) since the summer of 2021. Transport capacity, measured in available cargo tonne kilometers (ACTK), increased by 14.6% compared to before. January 2023 (18.2% for international operations). This is primarily related to increased abdominal volume. IATA said international capacity increased by 25.8% year-on-year due to a strong passenger market, and noted that air cargo growth outpaced trade and production, citing several factors in the operating environment. First, he said, there is trade across the world's borders. The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) in December was 50.3, exceeding the 50 mark for the first time in eight months, indicating expansion. New export orders PMI also rose to 48.8, but remains below the key benchmark of 50, suggesting that the decline in global exports continues but is slowing. Inflation rates in major countries continue to ease from their peaks in terms of consumer price index (CPI). In January, the rate reached 3.1% in both the US and EU, and 2.1% in Japan. However, China's consumer price index has shown deflation for four consecutive months, raising concerns about an economic slowdown. China's negative inflation rate of -0.8% was the lowest since the 2009 global financial crisis. In terms of regional performance, IATA announced that Middle Eastern airlines performed best in January this year, with an increase of 25.9% year-on-year. in cargo volume. This was a significant improvement from the previous month's performance (+18.3%). Airlines in the region benefited from growth in the Middle East-Asia (+29.5%) and Middle East-Europe (+46.1%) markets. Transport capacity increased by 17.1% compared to January 2023. Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region saw air cargo volumes increase by 24.6% in January 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. This result exceeded the previous month (18.5% increase). Airlines in the region benefited from continued growth in international CTK in three major trade lanes: Africa-Asia (+52.5%), Middle East-Asia (+29.5%) and Europe-Asia (+27.5%). Ta. The number of available seats for airlines in the region increased by 25.0% compared to January 2023 due to increased supply of abdominal seats from the passenger side. However, North American airlines had the weakest performance of all regions in January, increasing by 9.3% (year-over-year). in cargo volume. This was an improved performance compared to December (2.0%). Airlines in the region benefited from growth in the North America-Asia trade lane (+17.1%) and the North America-Europe trade lane (+3.5%). Transport capacity increased by 3.8% compared to January 2023. Meanwhile, European airlines saw a 16.4% increase in air cargo volumes in January compared to the same month in 2023. This was a better performance than December (up 8.6%). Airlines in the region benefited from strong international CTK growth in the intra-European market (+18.4%) and on Europe-Asia routes (+27.5%). It benefited from the significant expansion of the Middle East-Europe trade lane (+27.5%). 46.1%) also benefited carriers in the region. Transport capacity in January 2024 increased by 12.5% compared to the same month in 2023. African airlines saw air cargo volumes increase by 17.0% in January 2024, a significant improvement compared to December performance (-1.2%). The region's airlines benefited from strong growth in the African and Asian trade lanes. Transport capacity in January was 19.4% above January 2023 levels. IATA Director-General Willie Walsh said: “Air cargo demand increased by 18.4% year-on-year in January. This is a strong start to the year. Electronic cargo transport is performing particularly well.” . Thanks to the commercial sector, air cargo demand is likely to outpace growth in both trade and production from the last quarter of 2023 onwards. ” A conflicting factor in this good news is uncertainty about how China's economic slowdown will unfold. Air cargo executives will have this in mind as they meet next week for the IATA Global Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong, with an agenda focused on digitalisation, efficiency and sustainability. ”Without a doubt, air cargo is a key enabler of global trade, connecting businesses and consumers. It contributes significantly to the efficiency and resilience of the global economy.
