The global airfreight market saw its fastest-growth in nine months in January, continuing an improving trend experienced towards the end of 2015.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets in January showing a rise in freight tonne kilometres (FTK) of 2.7 per cent compared to January 2015. Total FTKs in January surpassed the previous all-time peak reached in February 2015, and growth was the fastest witnessed since April 2015.
Nevertheless, despite the positive start to the year, the IATA warns that an underlying weak trade performance means growth is unlikely to continue to accelerate significantly in the coming months.
The global freight load factor (FLF) fell 1.8 percentage points, indicating that yields are likely to come under further pressure, according to the IATA.
Commenting on January’s results, IATA director general and CEO Tony Tyler said: “It is good news that volumes are growing, but yields and revenues are still under tremendous pressure.”
