Global air transport body reports continued strong air cargo demand

During the first half of this year (1H21), the global air cargo market recorded its strongest semester of growth since 2017. This was reported by the International Air Transport Association (Iata), the representative body of the global airline and air cargo industry, when it released, on Wednesday, its latest data on the sector. During 1H21, air cargo grew 8% globally, year-on-year. In 2017, it had registered a year-on-year growth of 10.2%. “Air cargo is doing a brisk business as the global economy continues its recovery from the Covid-19 crisis,” highlighted Iata director-general Willie Walsh. “With first half demand 8% above pre-crisis levels, air cargo is a revenue lifeline for many airlines as they struggle with border closures that continue to devastate the international passenger business. Importantly, the strong first-half performance looks set to continue.”