Global air cargo continues growth streak in September: IATA

Air cargo demand maintained its upward momentum in September, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth, according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), rose 2.9% year-on-year, while capacity increased 3%. The overall cargo load factor remained steady at 45.7%. Although the growth rate eased from August’s 4.1% expansion, it continued to reflect the sector’s resilience amid shifting trade dynamics and changing US tariff policies.

IATA noted that the industry continues to benefit from modal shifts and front-loading, even as the suspension of small parcel shipments to the US by several postal services impacts certain trade flows.

Regionally, Asia-Pacific carriers led the recovery with a robust 6.8% year-on-year growth, supported by strong intra-Asia and Asia-Europe movements. African airlines also recorded impressive gains of 14.7%. European carriers saw a moderate 2.5% increase, while Middle Eastern airlines inched up 0.6%. In contrast, North American and Latin American carriers posted declines of 1.2% and 2.2%, respectively.

The data underscores a clear pivot away from the transpacific corridor. Traffic between Asia and North America fell 3.5% year-on-year, while Asia-Europe and intra-Asia routes surged 12.4% and 10%, respectively. Africa-Asia volumes also grew 9.6%.

Supporting these trends, global goods trade expanded 3.7% in August, and manufacturing sentiment strengthened for a second consecutive month in September, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 51.3. Export orders showed marginal improvement at 49.6, though they remained below the growth threshold, reflecting continued caution amid tariff uncertainty.

Meanwhile, jet fuel prices rose 5.4% in September, even as crude oil prices softened, driven largely by tighter diesel supply conditions.

Overall, the latest figures reinforce that air cargo continues to adapt effectively to evolving global trade patterns—balancing geopolitical shifts, cost pressures, and resilient market demand.