While air cargo has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to disruptions, a prompt resolution to the war, along with the normalization of fuel supply and prices, would be beneficial for all.” The world trade in goods grew by 5.2% year-on-year in January, while jet fuel prices increased by 1.2% year-on-year in February; additionally, the widening spread between Brent and jet fuel highlighted the ongoing volatility of refining margins. Optimism in the global manufacturing sector strengthened in February, with the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) at 53.1 points, above the 50-point expansion threshold. The PMI for new export orders rose to 51.4, surpassing the growth threshold and reaching its highest level since July 2021, indicating favorable conditions for air cargo demand. February Regional Results In February, air cargo demand showed widespread growth across regions. Asia-Pacific airlines recorded a 13.6% year-on-year increase in demand, while capacity rose by 10.1% year-on-year. North American airlines reported a 9.4% increase in demand, with capacity increasing by 5.3% year-on-year. European companies observed a 6.9% growth in demand and a 6.1% year-on-year increase in capacity. Middle Eastern airlines showed a 16.5% increase in demand, accompanied by a 13.5% year-on-year rise in capacity. African airlines recorded the highest growth, with a 21.0% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in February; capacity grew by 17.3% year-on-year. Latin American and Caribbean airlines registered a 0.7% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in February, the lowest performance of all regions. The offered cargo capacity in the belly increased by 4.5% year-on-year, according to statistical data provided today by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which was accessed by the Argentine News Agency. The total global demand, measured in cargo ton-kilometers (CTK), grew by 11.2% compared to February 2025, with an 11.6% increase in international operations. Capacity, measured in available cargo ton-kilometers (ACTK), rose by 8.5% against February 2025, with a 9.8% advance in international operations. “Air cargo demand grew by 11.2% in February. However, the outbreak of war in the Middle East at the end of the month makes it difficult to predict how annual performance will evolve,” stated Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General. He added that “the sharp increase in fuel prices, fuel shortages in some parts of the world, and the severe disruption of major cargo hubs in the Gulf represent significant changes. Even considering the boost February received from pre-Lunar New Year goods movement, the month showed strong growth.”
