Middle Eastern carriers once again recorded double-digit cargo growth increases in October, growing at a rate more than twice the global average, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Airlines in the region registered growth of 13 percent during the month as they diversified, expanding their services in perishables and linking growing markets in Asia and Africa. Capacity expanded 15.8 percent.
Globally, IATA said demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), rose 5.4 percent in October compared to October 2013.
This out-stripped capacity which grew by 4.4 percent. Compared to September demand grew by 0.7 percent bringing freight volumes to a new record monthly high.
Carriers in the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific saw demand grow faster than the global trend, while North America, Europe and Latin America grew more slowly.
More significantly, however, carriers in all regions except for Europe improved on their year-to-date performance. Cargo demand for European carriers grew by a weak 1.4 percent compared to the previous October, reflecting economic uncertainty and the impact of sanctions as a result of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
Tony Tyler, IATA’s director general and CEO, said: “We are now back to levels of demand not seen since the 2010 post-recession bounce-back. But the industry is still in the hot seat and under pressure to improve its value offering. Customer expectations have evolved dramatically. Other modes of cargo have improved their competitiveness. The industry is investing to build its future by meeting these expectations.”
Follow us on
