African Airlines recorded a 9.4% increase in July 2025 over the same period in 2024 according to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for July 2025 global air cargo markets. The report further notes that “Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 5.5% compared to July 2024 levels (+6.0% for international operations)” while capacity increased by 3.9% compared to July 2024.
IATA Director General, Mr. Willie Walsh said “Air cargo demand grew 5.5% in July, a strong result. Most major trade lanes reported growth, with one significant exception: Asia–North America, where demand was down 1.0% year-on-year. A sharp decline in e-commerce, as the US de minimis exemptions on small shipments expired, was likely offset by shippers frontloading goods in advance of rising tariffs for imports to the US. August will likely reveal more clearly the impact of shifting US trade policies.”
Mr. Walsh also noted that “While much attention is rightly being focused on developments in markets connected to the US, it is important to keep a broad perspective on the global network. A fifth of air cargo travels on the Europe–Asia trade lane, which marked 29 months of consecutive expansion with 13.5% year-on-year growth in July.”
The report highlights that “global goods trade grew by 3.1% year-on-year in June”, and jet fuel price was “9.1% lower year-on-year and has remained below 2024 levels so far this year, easing airlines’ operating costs. However, it was 4.3% higher than in June.”
Other Regions
The report also highlighted performance by other regions:
Asia-Pacific airlines saw an 11.1% year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in July, the strongest rise of all regions. Capacity increased by 7.3% year-on-year.
North American carriers saw a 0.7% year-on-year increase in growth for air cargo in July, the slowest growth of all regions. Capacity decreased by 0.6% year-on-year.
European carriers saw a 4.1% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in July. Capacity increased 4.0% year-on-year.
Middle Eastern carriers saw a 2.6% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in July. Capacity increased by 5.9% year-on-year.
Latin American carriers saw a 2.4% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in July. Capacity increased by 3.8% year-on-year.
|
1% of industry CTKs in 2024