The volume of international airfreight traffic rose by 4.9 per cent in June compared to the same month a year ago amid a strengthening of cross-border trade.

Figures released by the Geneva-based International Air Transport Association (IATA) show that global demand for air cargo grew by 2.7 per cent in the first six months of the year, indicating the industry is gaining as the year progresses, an IATA statement said.

"This is the second consecutive month of strengthening demand for freight, following the five per cent growth recorded in May, and could be indicating a return to historical growth levels in the five to six per cent range," IATA said.

Middle Eastern airlines were said to have led June's freight demand rate with 11.1 per cent growth.