Demand for air freight surpasses pre-health crisis levels

According to IATA (International Air Transport Association) data, air freight demand continues a strong growth trend, with an increase of + 9.4% compared to the same period of 2019.

 

IATA (International Air Transport Association) has released data for May 2021 for global air cargo markets. Global demand, measured in freight tonne-kilometers (CTK / cargo tonne-kilometers) increased by 9.4% compared to May 2019.

 

The organization compares the monthly results for 2021 to those for 2019, the last period in the normal pattern. The 2020 results being skewed due to the impact of COVID.

 

For this month of May 2021, the growth rate has slowed slightly compared to April which recorded + 11.3% compared to April 2019.

 

IATA points out that the cost competitiveness of air freight compared to container transport has improved. Before the crisis, the average price of air freight was 12 times higher than that of sea transport. In May 2021, it was only 6 times more expensive.

 

"Improving competitiveness over maritime transport should continue to make air cargo a positive for airlines, as passenger demand struggles with continued border closures and travel restrictions," said Willie Walsh, Managing Director of IATA.