by supplychainreport
Asia-Pacific airlines recorded a robust 10% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand this April, signaling renewed trade momentum across the region. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), this surge—measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK)—comes alongside a 9.4% rise in capacity, driven by accelerating trade activity and shifting global tariff dynamics.
The overall air cargo sector posted a 5.8% increase in demand compared to April 2024, with international operations contributing a 6.5% rise. This expansion is largely attributed to front-loading shipments ahead of anticipated U.S. tariff changes and the continued benefit of reduced jet fuel prices, enhancing cost-efficiency across the supply chain.
Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, emphasized that shifting trade policies—particularly in the U.S.—are influencing how exporters and logistics providers plan their shipments. “The outlook for air cargo remains encouraging as trade patterns evolve and demand strengthens. Airlines must stay agile as global tariff changes continue to reshape supply chain flows,” he said.
Regionally, Asia-Pacific outperformed other markets, highlighting its pivotal role in sustaining global trade. Latin American carriers followed closely with a 10.1% YoY rise, while African, North American, and European carriers also showed steady growth. Notably, capacity across these regions is rising to match the upward trend in demand, reflecting confidence in trade recovery.
For supply chain professionals, these figures point to a clear call-to-action: adapt to new tariff landscapes and leverage growing air cargo capacity to maintain agility in global logistics strategies. As air freight becomes a more strategic mode of transport for time-sensitive goods, particularly in response to trade shifts, stakeholders must continuously recalibrate routes, pricing, and schedules to stay competitive.
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