The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air cargo markets in April 2025, showing:
- Total demand, measured in cargo tonne kilometers (CTK), increased by 5,8% compared to April 2024 levels (+6,5% for international operations).
- Capacity, measured in cargo tonne kilometers (ACTK), increased by 6,3% compared to April 2024 (+6,9% for international operations).
“Air cargo demand grew strongly in April, with volumes up 5,8% year-on-year, driven by a solid performance in March. Seasonal demand for fashion and consumer goods – with shipments brought forward due to tariff changes in the US – and falling jet fuel prices boosted air cargo. With capacity available at record levels and yields improving, the outlook for air cargo is encouraging. While April brought good news, global trade tensions are no secret. Changes in trade policy, especially in the US, are already reshaping demand and export dynamics. Airlines will need to remain flexible as the situation develops in the coming months,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Several factors in the operational environment must be observed:
- Compared to a year earlier, global industrial production grew by 3,2% in March. Growth in air cargo transport outpaced global merchandise trade, which increased by 6,5% compared to the previous month.
- Jet fuel prices fell 21,2% from a year earlier and 4,1% from a month earlier, the third consecutive monthly decline.
- The global manufacturing PMI rose to 50,5 in April, signaling expansion for a fourth straight month. However, the PMI for new export orders fell 2,8 points to 47,2, remaining below the 50 threshold for growth.
