Air cargo to continue its steady recovery, says IATA

Air Cargo markets have never fully recovered from the global economic downturn that commenced five years ago. Nevertheless, trade press, industry organisations and individual air freight carriers continue to report moderate growth and increases in volume, capacity and revenue.

Whereas a few commentators have stated that the current state of the economy is here to stay, and that slow, moderate growth is the only way forward for the sector, many voices in the air freight industry insist that, rather than the 2008 setting a new precedent, it simply marked the beginning of a tough period that is soon to be over.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), one of the most prominent voices in the industry, has recently stated that all economic signs point to strengthened growth in the Asia-Paciic makets and that this, in turn, is supported by an increase in demand amongst North American and European markets. IATA therefore predict global trade improvements and consequent air cargo growth in 2014.

The Eurozone is expected to experience 0.8% growth in 2014, while Chinese GDP is predicted to grow by 8.1% and the Japanese 1.8%.