The air cargo industry experienced significant growth in 2024, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 11.3% compared to the previous year, surpassing record levels set in 2021. International operations saw a slightly higher increase of 12.2%. Capacity also rose by 7.4%, with international capacity growing by 9.6%.
Despite an average yield decrease of 1.6% from 2023, yields were still considerably higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019, showing a 39% increase.
Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General, commented on the performance: "Air cargo was the standout performer in 2024 with airlines moving more air cargo than ever before. Importantly, it was a year of profitable growth."