Global air freight volumes decreased 1.8% in January

North America and Africa were the only two of IATA’s six regions to report growth.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that demand in global air freight markets decreased 1.8% in January 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. This was the worst performance in the last three years.

IATA says demand for air cargo continues to face significant headwinds. Global economic activity and consumer confidence have weakened.

Airlines in only two of the six regions reported year-on-year demand growth in January 2019, North America and Africa. Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East all contracted, while Latin America was flat.

“Air cargo markets contracted in January. This is a worsening of a weakening trend that started in mid-2018. Unless protectionist measures and trade tensions diminish there is little prospect of a quick re-bound,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.