Air cargo growth accelerates 4.7 per cent in May

Kenya: Air cargo grew by 4.7 per cent in May compared to same period last year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Cargo volumes, measured by Freight Tonne Kilometres (FTKs) were up across all regions, but with significant differences in performance.

African carriers’ demand increased by 7.2 per cent in May, ahead of the average growth of 2.9 per cent for 2014. Weaker growth in the major African economies in the first months of the year appears to be ending, which will hopefully fuel stronger performance in the months ahead. Capacity rose 7.2 per cent, in line with demand. The Middle East carriers reported 9.3 per cent year-on-year growth, while the corresponding growth rate for North American carriers stood at 2.4 per cent.