Middle East Air Cargo volumes slow down in January

Air cargo volumes in the Middle Eastern increased by 4.4 per cent year-on-year in January, the slowest growth of all regions, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Capacity, however, increased 6.3 per cent according to the same source.

According to IATA, global air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs), rose 8 per cent in January compared to the year-earlier period. This was up from the 5.8 per cent annual growth recorded in December 2017.

Global demand for manufacturing exports is buoyant and meeting this strong demand is leading to longer supply chain delivery times. Demand for air cargo may strengthen as a result, with companies seeking faster delivery times to make up for longer production times.