IATA: Africa air cargo volume increased by 3.9% in November 2023

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says African air cargo volume increased by 3.9 percent in November 2023. 

IATA, in a report on its website on Tuesday, said the November figure is a slight improvement compared to the 2.9 percent growth rate in the preceding month.

“African airlines saw their air cargo volumes increase by 3.9% in November 2023, slightly improved compared to October’s +2.9% growth performance. Capacity was 14.0% above November 2022 levels,” the report reads. 

For the global market, IATA said air cargo demand rose by 8.3 percent.

This indicates the strongest year-on-year growth in about two years, the international alliance said.

“This is partly due to weakness in November 2022, but also reflects a fourth consecutive month of strengthening demand for air cargo,” the report reads.

“Global demand for air cargo, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), increased by 8.3% compared to November 2022. For international operations, demand growth was 8.1%.

“Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs), was up 13.7% compared to November 2022 (+11.6% for international operations).

“Most of the capacity growth continues to be attributable to the increase in belly capacity as international passenger markets continue their post-COVID recovery.

“Compared to November 2019 (pre-COVID-19), demand is down 2.5% while capacity is up 4.1%.”

Speaking on the outcome of the report, Willie Walsh, IATA’s director-general, said the latest demand figure signifies a doubling of October’s 3.8 percent increase, marking a fourth month of positive market development.

He said despite the significant economic concerns that persisted throughout 2023 and are still present, air cargo is expected to have an optimistic year-end.