Abu dhabi: Total demand for global air cargo, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 2.2% compared to May 2024 levels, with international operations seeing a 3.0% increase. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), also increased by 2.0% compared to the same period last year, with international operations experiencing a 2.6% rise.

According to Emirates News Agency, the growth in air cargo demand comes amid a 10.7% drop in traffic on the Asia to North America trade lane, highlighting the impact of shifting US trade policies. Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General, noted the air cargo sector's resilience in adapting to these changes, ensuring that shippers can meet supply chain needs by adjusting deliveries as necessary.

Additionally, several factors in the operating environment have contributed to the current state of the air cargo market. Year-on-year, world industrial production rose by 2.6% in April 2025, with air cargo volumes growing by 6.8% over the same period, surpassing the global goods trade growth of 3.8%.

Jet fuel prices in May 2025 were 18.8% lower than the previous year and 4.3% below the previous month, contributing to the industry's operational environment. However, global manufacturing faced challenges, with the PMI falling to 49.1, indicating contraction. New export orders remained in negative territory at 48, reflecting continued pressure from recent U.S. trade policy changes.