With 14.7% rise, African airlines record strongest demand for Cargo

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) yesterday released data for global air cargo markets in September 2025, showing continued momentum in the sector despite evolving global trade patterns and policy headwinds. According to the data, African airlines saw a 14.7% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in September, the strongest rise of all regions […]

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) yesterday released data for global air cargo markets in September 2025, showing continued momentum in the sector despite evolving global trade patterns and policy headwinds.

According to the data, African airlines saw a 14.7% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in September, the strongest rise of all regions while capacity increased by 7.4% year-on-year.

Global air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 2.9% year-on-year compared to September 2024, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth. International operations rose by 3.2%. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), also grew by 3.0% year-on-year (+4.4% for international operations).

“Air cargo demand grew 2.9% year-on-year in September, marking the seventh consecutive month of overall growth.

Buried in that growth is a significant alteration of trade patterns as US tariff policies, including the ending of de minimis exemptions, kick in.

On one side of the equation, a decline in North America–Asia demand has set in over the last five months.

But this has been more than compensated for with strong growth within Asia and on routes linking Asia to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. While many had feared an unwinding of global trade, we are instead seeing air cargo adapting successfully to serve shifting market demands,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Several macroeconomic and operational factors influenced performance in September, according to the data.

It said global goods trade grew by 3.7% year-on-year in August while jet fuel prices rose 5.4% month-on-month despite lower crude oil prices, driven by a tighter diesel market that doubled the crack spread compared to a year earlier.

Manufacturing sentiment strengthened globally, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising for the second consecutive month to 51.3.

New export orders improved slightly to 49.6, remaining below the 50-point expansion threshold, reflecting ongoing caution amid trade policy uncertainty.

…Expert explains rise in air cargo

Speaking with our correspondent, an aviation analyst and cargo player, Capt. Samuel Caulcrick said if there is a strong demand, it means the volume has increased.

He stated that this could be as a result of the fast coming holiday season, saying, “Since COVID, most cargo operators boycotted Africa because Africa didn’t have the money.”

He lamented however that most freighters (cargo aircraft) coming to Africa especially from China return empty.