Gelonghui, June 30 – On June 29, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its regular monthly data on the global air cargo market. Statistics showed that total air cargo demand in May 2026, measured in Cargo Tonne Kilometres (CTKs), rose 6.0% year-on-year, with international demand climbing 6.5%. Available cargo capacity, calculated via Available Cargo Tonne Kilometres (ACTKs), increased 1.9% year-on-year, while international capacity expanded by 2.8%. Global trade grew 5.0% year-on-year, marking the 25th consecutive month of annual expansion.
Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, stated: "Air cargo demand posted a 6% year-on-year rise in May. Cargo volumes across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America all outpaced the average growth trend. Nevertheless, weighed down by lingering war-related headwinds, combined air cargo demand for carriers based in the Middle East slumped 8.9% year-on-year."
Backed by May's robust performance alongside macroeconomic conditions, IATA noted it holds a cautiously optimistic stance on the air cargo outlook for the rest of the year. Global manufacturing activity stayed resilient in May, yet new export orders declined. The Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) edged up to 53.5, whereas the New Export Orders Index stood at 49.6 (below the 50 expansion-contraction threshold). This indicates air cargo growth is driven by targeted trade volumes rather than broad-based gains in global exports.
"Both trade volumes and manufacturing output are on the rise. Airlines have adjusted their operations to adapt to shifting demand patterns and supply chain requirements. Meanwhile, improved yields and higher load factors are helping carriers absorb climbing fuel costs. The year ahead will remain challenging, particularly as uncertainties stemming from the Middle East situation exert substantial pressure on segments of the industry. Even so, solid underlying demand and airlines' operational resilience are clearly evident," remarked Willie Walsh.
