IATA: Total global air cargo demand increased 3.9% year-on-year in July

The Zhitong Finance App learned that according to regular data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA, “International Air Transport Association”) for July 2026, total air cargo demand (calculated based on CTK cargo tonnes and kilometers) increased 3.9% compared to July 2025, and international demand increased 4.7%. Transportation capacity (calculated based on ACTK's usable freight tonnes and kilometers) increased 1.7% compared to July 2025, and international capacity increased 1.8%.

Marie OwensThomsen (Marie OwensThomsen), senior vice president and chief economist of the International Air Transport Association, said, “Demand for air cargo increased 3.9% year-on-year in July. Growth was achieved in all regions, with Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America contributing more than 90% of the increase in demand. As airliner cargo volume declines, the market share of all freighters has increased, which may reflect the market demand for transporting bulky or special cargo, as well as the advantages of all freighters in terms of operational flexibility. Looking ahead, the overall outlook for air freight remains positive, supported by manufacturing activity, export orders, and global trade. However, rising fuel prices, geopolitical tension, and uncertainty about tariff policies still require close attention.”

Several significant factors in the air cargo operating environment: global trade increased 7.5% year over year. The price of aviation fuel rose 12.2% month-on-month, 56.9% higher than the same period last year. The global manufacturing output purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell 0.3 points to 52.7, and the new export orders index rose to 50.0. Overall, these metrics are beneficial to air cargo demand.

Freight market performance by region

Asia Pacific Airlines' air cargo demand increased 4.1% year-on-year in July. Capacity increased 3.0% year over year.

North American Airlines' air cargo demand increased 4.8% year over year in July, the strongest performance among all regions. Transportation capacity decreased by 1.5% year over year.

European Airlines' air cargo demand increased 4.4% year-on-year in July. Capacity increased 1.3% year over year.

Middle East Airlines' air cargo demand increased 1.7% year-on-year in July. Capacity increased 4.0% year over year.

Air cargo demand for LAC airlines increased 4.1% year-on-year in July. Capacity increased 7.0% year over year.

Air cargo demand for African airlines increased 1.1% year over year in July, the weakest performance of all regions. Capacity increased 4.1% year over year.

Growth in trade routes: The air cargo performance of major trade routes was divided in July. Asia to North America routes saw the strongest growth, followed by Europe-Asia routes and Europe-North America routes. In contrast, trade routes linked to the Gulf are still disrupted by the Middle East conflict.