The air cargo industry is seeing a resurgence, with a notable increase in volumes over the last quarter. According to the latest report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global demand for air freight rose by 6.8% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2024, despite headwinds such as geopolitical tensions and rising fuel costs.
One of the key drivers behind this surge is the recovery of e-commerce following several post-pandemic disruptions, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Major players such as Emirates SkyCargo and Qatar Airways Cargo have expanded their fleets and upgraded their infrastructure to handle the increased demand, while smaller regional players are also reporting capacity expansions. For instance, Etihad Cargo recently announced a new cargo hub in Abu Dhabi designed to support the growing demand for air freight in the Middle East.
“Global supply chains are shifting as companies are rethinking their logistics strategies post-pandemic, and air cargo continues to play a critical role in meeting tight deadlines for high-value goods,” said an IATA representative.
As a result of these developments, experts predict that air cargo will continue its growth trajectory, with further investments in cargo digitization and automation set to enhance efficiency in 2025.
