IATA: Air cargo growth continues in February, up 2.9%

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for global air cargo markets showing that demand increased in February despite a challenging operating backdrop. Several factors benefitted air cargo in February compared to January. On the demand side, manufacturing activity ramped-up quickly after the early February Lunar New Year holiday. Capacity was positively influenced by the general and progressive relaxation of COVID-19 travel restrictions, reduced flight cancellations due to Omicron-related factors (outside of Asia), and fewer winter weather operational disruptions. Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), was up 2.9% compared to February 2021 (2.5% for international operations). Adjusting