According to the latest data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), registered a slight 0.1% decline in February 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. International operations, however, showed a modest increase of 0.4%. This marks the first year-on-year contraction in air cargo demand since mid-2023.
Meanwhile, available cargo capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), decreased by 0.4% compared to February 2024, with international capacity rising 1.1% year-on-year.
Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, commented:
“February saw a small contraction in air cargo demand—the first year-on-year decline since mid-2023. This is largely attributable to the unique circumstances of February 2024, which was not only a leap year but also benefited from heightened demand due to the Chinese New Year, disruptions in sea lanes, and a surge in e-commerce activity. However, the growing strain of trade tensions is a significant concern. With equity markets already reflecting anxiety, we urge governments to prioritize dialogue over tariffs to avoid broader economic disruptions.”
Regional Performance Overview – February 2025
Asia-Pacific carriers reported a 5.1% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand, with capacity expanding by 2.7%.
North American carriers experienced a 0.4% decline in demand, accompanied by a 3.5% reduction in capacity.
European airlines posted a 0.1% decrease in demand and a 0.2% drop in capacity, signaling stable but subdued performance.
Middle Eastern carriers recorded the sharpest decline, with demand falling 11.9% year-on-year and capacity down 4%.
Latin American airlines led global performance, registering a 6% year-on-year increase in demand, supported by a 7.6% rise in capacity.
African carriers reported a 5.7% decline in air cargo demand, while capacity contracted 0.6%.
Performance by Major Trade Lanes
The Trans-Pacific route remained the busiest air cargo corridor in February. Significant activity was also noted across key trade lanes:
Intra-Asia traffic experienced 9% growth, making it the fifth busiest lane and extending its growth streak to 16 consecutive months.
Europe–Asia traffic grew 4.7%, marking 24 consecutive months of expansion.
Asia–North America routes reported marginal growth, maintaining a 16-month growth streak.
In contrast, Middle East–Asia and Europe–Middle East routes experienced demand declines, reflecting regional challenges.
Source: https://www.stattimes.com/air-cargo/air-cargo-demand-declines-slightly-in-february-1354875
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