Global air cargo demand maintained its upward momentum in April 2025, buoyed by seasonal shipping patterns, proactive inventory adjustments in anticipation of tariff changes, and reduced fuel costs. However, bongdaso nét International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlighted that evolving trade policies could significantly reshape market dynamics, emphasizing bongdaso nét need for agility among airlines.
According to IATA'slatest Air Cargo Market Analysis, total air cargo demand—measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK)—rose5.8% year-on-year, marking bongdaso nét second consecutive month of growth. On a month-over-month basis, demand increased2.3%, building on a4.4% rise in March, which had been driven by front-loading shipments.
bongdaso nét April growth was attributed toseasonal shipping of fashion and consumer goodsahead of bongdaso nét summer retail cycle and accelerated shipments to beat bongdaso nét May 2, 2025, implementation of changes to bongdaso nét U.S. de minimis threshold. IATA noted that, between April and June, air freight activity traditionally intensifies as businesses prepare for summer demand, with tariff adjustments further stimulating early shipments.
Capacity and Load Factor Performance
Available cargo capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased6.3% year-on-year, exceeding demand growth. As a result, bongdaso nét cargo load factor (CLF)—bongdaso nét proportion of available capacity utilized—declined slightly by0.2 percentage points to 43.9%, reflecting bongdaso nét market trend of capacity outpacing demand.
“This marginal dip aligns with broader market dynamics, where capacity expansions have modestly outpaced demand growth,” bongdaso nét report stated.
Sector Outlook and Challenges
IATA Director General Willie Walsh expressed cautious optimism, noting bongdaso nét sector's resilience despite global trade tensions.
“April delivered strong momentum for air cargo, driven by seasonal demand, early shipping activity, and lower jet fuel prices,” Walsh said. “With capacity reaching record levels and yields improving, bongdaso nét outlook is encouraging. However, shifting trade policies, particularly in bongdaso nét U.S., are altering demand patterns and export flows. Airlines must remain agile to navigate these challenges effectively.”
While air cargo growth outpaced global goods trade—which rose6.5% month-over-month—bongdaso nét global manufacturing PMI rose to50.5, signaling expansion for bongdaso nét fourth consecutive month. However, bongdaso nét PMI for new export orders dropped to47.2, remaining in contraction territory, highlighting ongoing challenges in global trade flows.
Fuel and Cost Trends
Favorable fuel trends supported bongdaso nét sector’s performance. Jet fuel prices fell21.2% year-on-yearand4.1% month-on-month, marking bongdaso nét third consecutive monthly decline.
Regional Performance Overview
Regional highlights showed varying levels of growth:
Latin Americaled with a10.1% year-on-year increase, driven by robust intra-regional trade.
Asia Pacific carriersfollowed closely, reporting10% growth, supported by strong e-commerce activity.
African carriersrecorded a4.7% rise, reflecting moderate growth in key trade lanes.
North American airlinesexperienced4.2% growth, with steady demand for high-value goods.
European carriersreported a more modest2.9% increase, constrained by regional economic conditions.
Middle Eastern airlinessaw bongdaso nét slowest growth at2.3%, impacted by shifts in regional trade flows.
While most international routes posted positive growth, declines were observed in three key corridors:Middle East–Europe, Africa–Asia, andintra-European routes.
Conclusion
April's performance reaffirms bongdaso nét air cargo sector’s critical role in global trade amid evolving market dynamics. As trade policies and global economic conditions continue to shift, adaptability will be paramount for airlines seeking to sustain growth and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Source: https://www.logisticsinsider.in/air-cargo-demand-strengthens-in-april-amid-seasonal-trends-and-tariff-concerns-iata/
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