Demand for global airfreight increased to five per cent in May, up from 2.8 per cent the previous month, with highest growth coming from the Middle Eastern carriers that posted 10.5 per cent growth, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

"The pickup in freight, also rising sharply in Asia, could be the first sign of strengthening demand," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's director-general and chief executive officer.

"Over the next months we will be closely watching the impact of several changing conditions, including intensifying competition from other modes of transport and structural changes such as manufacturers producing lighter goods."

Overall airfreight demand growth was led by Asia Pacific carriers, with demand increasing from 3.8 per cent in April to 7.6 per cent in May on the back of growing trade and strong economic growth in the region.

With regard to passenger numbers carried in May, growth was stable at 5.5 per cent amid high load factors. Mr Bisignani said this came despite stiff competition and aggressive expansion on international routes to tap into further liberation of the international aviation market.