Air cargo demand rises by 8pc

Air cargo demand rose eight per cent in January compared to a year ago, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs), was up from the 5.8 per cent annual growth recorded in December 2017.

IATA said: “Global demand for manufacturing exports is buoyant and meeting this strong demand is leading to longer supply chain delivery times. Demand for air cargo may strengthen as a result, with companies seeking faster delivery times to make up for longer production times.”

Freight capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometres (AFTKs), rose by 4.2 per cent year-on-year in January 2018.

IATA chief Alexandre de Juniac said: “We expect demand for air cargo to taper to a more normal 4.5 per cent growth rate for 2018. But there are potential headwinds. If President Trump follows through on his promise to impose sanctions on aluminium and steel imports, there is a very real risk of a trade war. Nobody wins when protectionist measures escalate.”