The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that global air freight markets in April saw demand growth in freight tonne kilometres rise 3.2 per cent on year, according to Shipping Gazette.
Demand has not, however, grown in recent months. Traffic levels in April were slightly below those of January and 1.1 per cent lower than March's figures, a media release said.
Latest data show that prior improvements in demand are heading in the opposite direction. Largely as a result of further slowdown in emerging markets, particularly China, with indicators of business confidence slipping further in April, the IATA statement said.
"Levels still point toward growth, but at the weakest pace for the past five months. World trade growth has also slowed over recent months. However, momentum in advanced economies remains intact, and export orders still point to expansion," said IATA head Tony Tyler, former CEO of Hong Kong Cathay Pacific Airways.
"This suggests that current sluggishness in the demand drivers is likely temporary," he said.
"Trading conditions for air freight are difficult. Overall, business activity and trade have shifted down a gear after a strong end to 2013. And this is taking its toll on growth in the air cargo sector.
"Developed economies are still maintaining post-recession momentum and the expectation is for a stronger finish to the year.
"Air cargo's sales proposition is speed, and cumbersome processes are holding us back. In March we reached a significant milestone. For the first time, the e-Air Waybill (e-AWB) was used for over 200,000 shipments. That's good news but we still have a long way to go," added Mr Tyler.
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