Friday 29 Mar 2024
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KUALA LUMPUR (July 8): Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), was 8.3% below May 2021 levels (-8.1% for international operations), according to the  International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In its May 2022 data released on Thursday (July 7), IATA said this was an improvement on the year-on-year decline of 9.1% seen in April.

It said capacity was 2.7% above May 2021 (+5.7% for international operations).

This more than offset the 0.7% year-on-year drop in April.

Capacity expanded in all regions with Asia-Pacific experiencing the largest growth.

IATA said air cargo performance is being impacted by several factors.

It said trade activity ramped-up slightly in May as lockdowns in China due to Omicron were eased.

Emerging regions also contributed to growth with stronger volumes.

The association said new export orders, a leading indicator of cargo demand and world trade, decreased in all markets, except China.

It said the war in Ukraine continues to impair cargo capacity used to serve Europe as several airlines based in Russia and Ukraine were key cargo players.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh said May offered positive news for air cargo, most notably because of the easing of some Omicron restrictions in China.

“On a seasonally adjusted basis, we saw growth (0.3%) after two months of decline.

“The return of Asian production as Covid-19 measures eased, particularly in China, will support demand for air cargo,” he said.

Walsh said the strong rebound in passenger traffic has increased belly capacity, although not always in the markets where the capacity crunch is most critical.

“But uncertainty in the overall economic situation will need to be carefully watched,” said Walsh.

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