Global air cargo demand saw 2.2% rise in H1 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels: IATA

GENEVA, 4th August, 2022 (WAM) — Global air cargo demand rose by 2.2 percent in H1 2022 as compared to pre-COVID levels (H1 2019), according to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA)

IATA figures indicate a healthy and stable performance across global air cargo markets showing. In detail, global demand sunk by 6.4 percent compared to June 2021 levels (-6.6 percent for international operations). This was an improvement on the year-on-year decline of 8.3 percent seen in May.

Meanwhile, capacity rose 6.7 percent compared to June 2021 (+9.4 percent for international operations), an increase on the 2.7 percent year-on-year growth recorded in May, while capacity for the first half-year was up 4.5 percent (+5.7 percent for international operations) compared to H1 2021.

“Air cargo demand over the first half of 2022 was 2.2 percent above pre-COVID levels (first half 2019). That’s a strong performance, particularly considering continuing supply chain constraints and the loss of capacity due to the war in Ukraine. Current economic uncertainties have had little impact on demand for air cargo, but developments will need to be closely monitored in the second half,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director-General.