IATA: Air cargo demand reaches all time high

The volume of air freight in March 2021 increased by 4.4% compared to March 2019, which reached an absolute record, Report mentions, citing a press release of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

"March demand reached the highest level recorded since the series began in 1990. Month-on-month demand also increased albeit at a slower pace than the previous month, with volumes up 0.4% in March over February 2021 levels," the statement said.

Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), was up 0.4% compared to February 2021. This was a slower growth rate than the previous month, which saw demand increase 9.2% compared to February 2019. Moreover, if we compare March 2021 with March 2020, the need for air freight grew by 22.1%.

According to the association, the largest rise compared to March 2019 was recorded in Africa (23.1%), North America (17.5%), and the Middle East (9.1%). Europe saw a 0.9% increase, while the Asia-Pacific region saw a 2.9% decline. In Latin America, the fall was 21.4%.