Global air cargo volume up 8.6 pc in July 2021 vis-à-vis July 2019, reflects strong recovery in world trade

Measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), the pace of growth in air cargo slowed slightly compared to June which saw demand increasing by 9.2 per cent (against pre-Covid-19 levels).

“July was another solid month for global air cargo demand. Economic conditions indicate that the strong growth trend will continue into the peak year-end demand period. The Delta variant of COVID-19 could bring some risks. If supply chains and production lines are disrupted, there is potential for a knock-on effect for air cargo shipments,” said Wille Walsh, Director General at International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Asia-Pacific airlines saw demand for international air cargo increase 4.4 per cent in July 2021 compared to the same month in 2019, and an improvement compared to the previous month’s 3.9 per cent expansion.

"Demand is being affected by an easing of momentum in key activity indicators in Asia, and by congested supply chains," noted IATA which represents about 290 airlines comprising 82 per cent of global air traffic.

As per the monthly data on global air cargo trend, North American carriers posted a 20.5 per cent increase in international demand in July 2021 compared to July 2019. This was in line with June’s performance (19.8per cent) and the strongest of all regions.

New export orders and demand for faster shipping times are underpinning the North American performance.

"European carriers posted a 6.0 per cent increase in demand in July 2021 compared to the same month in 2019. This was a marginal decrease compared to the previous month (6.8per cent). Manufacturing activity, orders and supplier delivery times are still favorable to air cargo," said IATA.

Middle Eastern carriers posted an 11.3 per cent rise in international cargo volumes in July 2021 versus July 2019.

"This was a decrease compared to the previous month (15.8 per cent). Some routes, however, are still posting strong performance, for example on the large Middle East-Asia trade lanes," said the airline grouping.

Air cargo growth in the Latin American market remained weak with economic recovery being sluggish. Airlines from the region reported a decline of 10.2 per cent in international cargo volumes in July compared to the 2019 period.