Africa’s air cargo sector needs trade and aviation liberalisation to reach full potential

In early February, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its global air freight data for the whole of 2018. Although worldwide demand, measured in freight (metric) ton kilometres (FTKs) rose by 3.5% in comparison to 2017, it was far below 2017’s 9.7% growth. And demand softened towards the end of the year, as global trade weakened, consumer confidence declined, trade tensions continued and some governments continued with protectionist measures.