The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported on Wednesday that the global air cargo markets showed steady growth in demand compared to pre-pandemic levels.
IATA stated that the global demand increased by 9.1% compared to 9.4% in September 2019 despite the current restrictions on capacity as it remains at 8.9%, well below September 2019 levels of 12%.
The ongoing supply chain disruptions and subsequent delivery delays which compelled manufacturers to use air transport, and the relatively competitive price of air cargo transport against the recent upsurge in sea shipping rates among other factors have led to the current growth in air cargo demand.
“Air cargo demand grew 9.1% in September compared to pre-COVID levels. There is a benefit from supply chain congestion as manufacturers turn to air transport for speed, However, severe capacity constraints continue to limit the ability of air cargo to absorb the extra demand,” IATA’s Director-General, Willie Walsh said.
“Governments must act to relieve pressure on global supply chains and improve their overall resilience,” Walsh added.
IATA urged world governments to relieve supply chain disruptions, by ensuring that aircrew operations are not affected by the same COVID-19 restrictions applied to travellers.