/Agencia Noticias Argentinas
Latin American airlines recorded a year-on-year increase of around 2.1% in air cargo demand in August, with an increase in belly hold capacity offered of 5% year-on-year, according to data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose 4.1% compared to August 2024 levels (+5.1% for international operations). Meanwhile, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), showed an increase of 3.7% compared to August 2024.
“Air cargo demand grew 4.1% in August, marking the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth; in turn, volumes continue to grow even with the evolution of global trade patterns,” said Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA.
“Air cargo has benefited from the shift from sea to air for some high-value products, as shippers try to minimize the risk of tariff changes. Furthermore, growth patterns indicate that some products are being diverted from North America, driving further growth on Europe-Asia, Central Asia, Africa-Asia and Middle East-Asia trade routes. This adaptability is vital for shippers to adapt to the changing landscape of US tariff policy,” he added.
It is important to consider some factors in the operating environment, such as that world merchandise trade grew 5.4% year-on-year in July and that jet fuel prices in August were 6.4% lower year-on-year, marking the fourteenth consecutive month of year-on-year declines.
Furthermore, global manufacturing in August showed growing optimism in the manufacturing PMI, with a rebound to 51.75, the highest reading since June 2024. However, confidence in new export orders remains below 50, at 48.73, reflecting persistent caution in the face of tariff uncertainty.
Regional performance in August
Asia-Pacific airlines experienced a 9.8% year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in August. Capacity increased 6.9% year-on-year.
North American carriers suffered a 2.1% year-on-year decrease in air cargo growth in August, the slowest growth of all regions, while capacity decreased 1.0% year-on-year.
European companies recorded a 3.2% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in August and capacity increased 4.2% year-on-year.
Middle Eastern airlines showed a 2.7% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in August, with a 4.3% year-on-year increase in capacity.
African airlines experienced an 11.0% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in August, the largest increase of all regions. Capacity increased 12.3% year-on-year.
Trade lane growth
Air cargo volumes in August 2025 increased significantly on most major trade lanes. Europe-Asia and Asia recorded solid double-digit growth, while Middle East-Asia, North America-Europe and Africa-Asia also experienced notable increases. In contrast, Asia-North America, Middle East-Europe and Europe recorded declines.
