Middle Eastern carriers’ freight volumes increased 0.1 per cent year-on-year in December and capacity increased by 4.5 per cent, according to figures released by the International Air Transport Association (Iata).

This contributed to an annual increase in demand of 3.9 per cent in 2018 for the Middle East – the third fastest growth rate of all the regions. Annual capacity increased 6.2 per cent. The region continues to be affected by geopolitical issues, added the report.

The 2018 data for global air freight markets showed that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs) grew by 3.5 per cent compared to 2017. This was significantly lower than the extraordinary 9.7 per cent growth recorded in 2017. 

Freight capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometers (AFTKs), rose by 5.4 per cent in 2018, outpacing annual growth in demand. This exerted downward pressure on the load factor but yields proved resilient.

Air cargo’s performance in 2018 was sealed by a softening in demand in December. Year-on-year, December demand decreased by 0.5 per cent. This was the worst performance since March 2016. Freight capacity, however, grew by 3.8 per cent. This was the tenth month in a row that year-on-year capacity growth outstripped demand growth.

International e-commerce grew in 2018 which was a positive factor for the year. Yet, there was a softening of several key demand drivers:

• The restocking cycle, during which businesses rapidly built up inventories to meet demand, ended in early 2018;
• Global economic activity weakened;
• The export order books of all major exporting nations, with the exception of the US, contracted in the second half of 2018;
• Consumer confidence weakened compared to very high levels at the beginning of 2018.

Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and chief executive officer, said: “Air cargo demand lost momentum towards the end of 2018 in the face of weakening global trade, sagging consumer confidence and geopolitical headwinds.”

“Still, demand grew by 3.5 per cent compared to 2017. We are cautiously optimistic that demand will grow in the region of 3.7 per cent in 2019. But with the persistence of trade tensions and protectionist actions by some governments there is significant downside risk. Keeping borders open to people and to trade is critical,” he added.

“To attract demand in new market segments, the air cargo industry must improve its value proposition. Enabling modern processes with digitalisation will help build a stronger foothold in e-commerce and the transport of time- and temperature-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals and perishables,” said de Juniac.

Airlines in all regions with the exception of Africa reported an annual increase in demand in 2018, added the report.

Asia-Pacific carriers posted the weakest growth of any region in December 2018 with a decrease in demand of 4.5 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier. Capacity increased by 2.6 per cent. The weaker performance in December contributed to growth in freight demand of only 1.7 per cent in 2018 compared to 2017.

Annual capacity increased 5.0 per cent. The weaker performance of Asia-Pacific carriers in 2018 largely reflects a slowing in demand for exports from the region’s major exporters (China, Japan and Korea). Signs of a moderation in economic activity in China and an escalation of trade tensions continue to pose a downside risk to air cargo in Asia-Pacific.

North American airlines posted the fastest growth of any region for the seventh consecutive month in December 2018 with an increase in demand of 2.9 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier. Capacity increased by 4.5 per cent. This contributed to an annual growth in demand in 2018 of 6.8 per cent, matching the rate of capacity increase. The strength of the US economy and consumer spending have helped support the demand for air cargo over the past year, benefiting US carriers.

European airlines posted a 1.9 per cent year-on-year increase in freight demand in December 2018 and a capacity rise of 3.7 per cent. The improved performance in December contributed to an annual growth in demand for air cargo of 3.2 per cent in 2018. Capacity increased by 4.3 per cent in the same year. Weaker manufacturing conditions for exporters, particularly in Germany, one of Europe’s key export markets, along with mixed economic indicators impacted demand in 2018.

Latin American airlines experienced a decrease in year-on-year demand of 0.1 per cent in December after three months of positive growth. Capacity increased by 6.0 per cent. Despite a decrease in demand, it’s worth noting that the within South America market continues to perform strongly, with international demand up almost 20 per cent year-on-year. Annual growth in freight demand among Latin America carriers in 2018 increased by 5.8 per cent - the second fastest of all regions. Annual capacity increased 3.4 per cent in 2018.

African carriers’ saw freight demand decrease by 2.2 per cent, in December 2018, compared to the same month in 2017. This was significantly less than the 9.4 per cent decrease the previous month.

Capacity increased by 4.9 per cent year-on-year. It’s worth noting that seasonally-adjusted international freight volumes, despite being 7.7 per cent lower than their peak in mid-2017, are still 50 per cent higher than their most recent trough in late-2015. Annual growth in freight demand among Africa carriers in 2018 decreased by 1.3 per cent and capacity grew by 1 per cent, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service