IATA: “Air cargo off to a robust start in 2018”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported that demand in the global air freight markets, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs), was up 8.0% in January compared to the same month in 2016

Freight capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometers (AFTKs), was up 4.2% year-on-year.

In a statement issued yesterday (7 March), Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO, said: “With 8% growth in January, it’s been a solid start to 2018 for air cargo. That follows an exceptional year in which demand grew by 9%. We expect demand for air cargo to taper to a more normal 4.5% growth rate for 2018. But there are potential headwinds. If President Trump follows through on his promise to impose sanctions on aluminum and steel imports, there is a very real risk of a trade war. Nobody wins when protectionist measures escalate.”