Air cargo weakened by shaky global economy

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global traffic results for July showing slower growth in freight, but with considerable variation by region and market.

July freight demand was 3.2 percent lower than it was in the same month last year. This is down on the 0.1 percent year-on-year growth rate of June. A large part of that decline was due to a comparison with a relatively strong July last year, but overall the trend in air freight is weak, in line with subdued world trade growth.

Airlines have responded to this slower growth environment by reducing the capacity added to markets, a move which has stabilized load factors at relatively high levels and provided some support for profitability in the face of high fuel prices.

“The uncertain economic outlook is having a negative impact on demand for air transport,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO. “The cargo business is 3.2 percent smaller than it was a year ago.”