Air cargo demand grew 4.1 per cent year-on-year in August, marking the sixth consecutive month of growth, with African airlines leading regional performance, reported the Namibian Economist.

The International Air Transport Association said total demand measured in cargo tonne-kilometres rose 4.1 per cent, while available capacity increased 3.7 per cent compared with August 2024.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh said air cargo volumes continue to grow despite shifting global trade patterns, with shippers favouring air over sea for high-value goods amid tariff risks.

Supporting factors included a 4 per cent year-on-year rise in global goods trade in July and a 6.4 per cent drop in jet fuel prices in August, the 14th consecutive monthly decline.

The global manufacturing PMI rebounded to 51.75, the highest since June, though new export orders remained below 50 at 48.73, indicating ongoing caution.

African airlines posted the strongest air cargo demand growth at 11 per cent, followed by Asia-Pacific carriers at 9.8 per cent. European and Middle Eastern carriers saw increases of 3.2 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively, while North and Latin American carriers declined 2.1 per cent.

African airlines also led capacity growth at 12.3 per cent. Asia-Pacific carriers rose 6.9 per cent, with Latin American, Middle Eastern and European carriers reporting gains of 5 per cent, 4.3 per cent and 4.2 per cent respectively. North American carriers saw the lowest growth at 1 per cent.

Major trade corridors saw strong volume increases: Europe-Asia rose 13 per cent, intra-Asia 12 per cent, Africa-Asia 8.4 per cent, and Middle East-Asia and North America-Europe both 7.8 per cent.

Declines were recorded on Asia-North America at 2.2 per cent, Middle East-Europe at 0.8 per cent, and intra-Europe at 0.9 per cent.