Air freight demand up 9pc

Global air freight demand was up by nine per cent in 2017, compared to the 3.6 per cent annual growth of the previous year.

Freight capacity increased by three per cent in 2017 – the slowest annual growth since 2012. This was the slowest annual capacity growth seen since 2012.

“Air cargo had its strongest performance since the rebound from the global financial crisis in 2010. Demand grew by nine per cent,” said director general Alexandre de Juniac.

“That outpaced the industry-wide growth in both cargo capacity and in passenger demand. We saw improvements in load factors, yields and revenues. Air cargo is still a very tough and competitive business, but the developments in 2017 were the most positive that we have seen in a very long time.

“The outlook for air freight in 2018 is optimistic. Consumer confidence is buoyant. And we see growing strength in international e-commerce and the transport of time – and temperature-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals. Overall the pace of growth is expected to slow from the exceptional 9.0 per cent of this year. But we still expect a very healthy 4.5 per cent expansion of demand in 2018.”