https://arab.news/jg7hp
Air cargo carriers in the Middle East experienced a month-on-month drop in business in July, but are still outperforming pre-pandemic levels, according to newly released figures.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published data showing that while Middle Eastern cargo carriers saw an 11.3 percent rise in volumes in July 2021 compared to July 2019, this was a slight decrease compared to the previous month's figure of 15.8 percent.
The report emphasised that despite the slight slow-down in growth, some routes are still posting strong performance, for example on the large Middle East–Asia trade lanes.
Globally, air cargo markets are still generally strong compared to 2019, with 2020 figures not being used for comparisons due to the adverse impact of the pandemic.
Industry-wide cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs) increased by 8.6 percent compared to July 2019, slightly below the growth outcome for June of 9.2 percent.
Overall growth remains strong compared to the long-term average growth trend of around 4.7 percent.
The IATA report did note turbulence ahead for air cargo carriers, and the Association's director general Willie Walsh said: “July was another solid month for global air cargo demand. Economic conditions indicate that the strong growth trend will continue into the peak year-end demand period.
"The Delta variant of COVID-19 could bring some risks. If supply chains and production lines are disrupted, there is potential for a knock-on effect for air cargo shipments.”
The IATA represents around 290 airlines comprising 82 percent of global air traffic.