Global air cargo demand surges by 11.3% in 2024: IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed full-year demand in 2024, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK) increased 11.3 per cent in comparison with 2023. The full-year 2024 demand growth surpassed the record volumes set in 2021. The Full-year capacity in 2024, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 7.4 per cent compared to 2023 (9.6 per cent for international operations). “Air cargo was the standout performer in 2024 with airlines moving more air cargo than ever before. Importantly, it was a year of profitable growth. Demand, up 11.3 per cent year-on-year, was boosted by particularly strong e-commerce and various ocean shipping restrictions. This combined with airspace restrictions which limited capacity on some key long-haul routes to Asia helped to keep yields at exceptionally high levels. While average yields continued to soften from peaks in 2021-2022, they averaged 39 per cent higher than 2019,” Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA, said.