AIR CANADA's 2024 cargo operating revenues were seven per cent year on year, helped by belly cargo in the Pacific and freight in the Americas, reports London's Air Cargo News.

The airline reported cargo revenues of C$991 million (US$688.7 million) an increase of C$67 million from 2023.

"This was the result of higher volumes of chargeable kilos and yields for belly cargo in the Pacific and freight in the Americas," said Air Canada.

"The increase was partially offset by lower cargo revenues in the Atlantic primarily due to lower yields."

Fourth quarter cargo operating revenues totalled C$293 million and were 20 per cent up on the fourth quarter of 2023.

"The increase was primarily driven by yield strength and higher volumes of chargeable kilos across all markets. The increase reflected a better operating environment for Cargo, having recovered from lower cargo volumes and yields in 2023 and in the first six months of 2024," Air Canada said.

In comparison, Air Canada saw 18 per cent cargo revenue growth in the third quarter of 2024.

The airline removed one Boeing 767-300 freighter from its fleet during 2024, ending the year with six compared to seven at the end of 2023.

Fleet plans to the end of 2026 show Air Canada has no plans to add any further freighters.

The carrier had originally planned to operate a fleet of 12 freighters - ten 767s and two Boeing 777s - but in September 2023 announced the cancellation of an order for two newbuild 777Fs.

Then in May last year, Air Canada revealed it had also cancelled plans to convert two 767s into freighters.