Global air-traffic-freight demand rose 8.8 percent in November compared to the previous year.
Air freight is measured in freight ton kilometers, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
That figure is also higher than October when demand increased 5.8 percent year-over-year.
Capacity, measured in available freight ton kilometers, also increased from the previous year, growing 4 percent. November marks the 16th consecutive month that demand has been stronger than capacity growth.
“Air freight demand remains robust,” Alexandre de Juniac, IATA director general and CEO, said. “November showed 8.8 percent year-on-year growth, keeping up the momentum that will make 2017 the strongest year for air cargo since 2010. And there are several indicators that 2018 will be a good year as well. In particular, buoyant consumer confidence, the growth of international e-commerce and the broad-based global economic upturn are cause for optimism as we head into the new year.”
African carriers saw the largest freight increase with volume growing 17.5 percent and capacity 24 percent. November was the 14th consecutive month of double-digit increases.
Middle Eastern carriers experienced the smallest growth. Capacity increased 3.1 percent and demand 6.6 percent. For the second time in three months, international volume was the smallest year-over-year growth.