Global air cargo closes 2022 near pre-pandemic levels

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that 2022 full-year demand for air cargo took a significant step back from 2021 levels but was close to 2019 performance.

Global full-year demand in 2022, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), was down 8.0 percent compared to 2021 (-8.2 percent for international operations). Compared to 2019, it was down 1.6 percent (both global and international).

Capacity in 2022, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), was 3.0 percent above 2021 (+4.5 percent for international operations). Compared to 2019 (pre-COVID) levels, capacity declined by 8.2 percent (-9.0 percent for international operations).

December saw a softening in performance: global demand was 15.3 percent below 2021 levels (-15.8 percent for international operations). Monthly cargo demand tracked below 2021 levels from March 2022. Global capacity was 2.2 percent below 2021 levels (‑0.5 percent for international operations). This was the tenth consecutive monthly contraction compared to 2021 performance.

2022 ended with mixed signals

Global new export orders, a leading indicator of cargo demand, have stayed at the same level since October. For major economies, new export orders are shrinking except in Germany, the US, and Japan, where they grew.

Global goods trade decreased by 1.5 percent in November, down from a 3.4 percent increase in October.

The Consumer Price Index for G7 countries indicated inflation tracking at 6.8 percent for December. The 0.6 percentage point drop compared to November (7.4 percent) was the largest over the course of year. Inflation in producer (input) prices reduced to 12.7 percent in October, its lowest level so far in 2022.

Read also: FAAN beefs up airport security

“In the face of significant political and economic uncertainties, air cargo performance declined compared to the extraordinary levels of 2021. That brought air cargo demand to1.6 percent below 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels.

The continuing measures by key governments to fight inflation by cooling economies are expected to result in a further decline in cargo volumes in 2023 to -5.6 percent compared to 2019. It will, however, take time for these measures to bite into cargo rates.

So, the good news for air cargo is that average yields and total revenue for 2023 should remain well above what they were pre-pandemic. That should provide some respite in what is likely to be a challenging trading environment in the year ahead,” Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general said.

Regional performance

African airlines reported a decrease in demand of 1.4 percent for global and international demand in 2022 compared to 2021 and an increase in capacity of 0.3 percent (-0.2 percent for international operations). Compared to 2019 (pre-COVID levels), demand was 8.3 percent above (+9.4 percent for international operations) and capacity was down 15.3 percent (-14.2 percent for international operations).

In December, airlines in the region posted a 10.0 percent decrease in demand for both global and international operations compared to 2021. Capacity grew 1.3 percent (+0.2 percent for international operations) during the same period.

Asia-Pacific airlines posted an 8.8 percent decrease in demand in 2022 compared to 2021 (-7.4 percent for international operations) and a capacity increase of 0.5 percent (+5.8 percent for international operations). Compared to 2019 (pre-COVID levels), demand was 7.8 percent below (-3.9 percent for international operations) and capacity was down 17.2 percent (-12.2 percent for international operations).

In December, Asia-Pacific airlines recorded the worst performance of all regions, posting a 21.2 percent decrease in demand (-20.4 percent for international operations) compared to 2021.

Capacity fell 3.9 percent (-1.4 percent for international operations) during the same period. Airlines in the region continue to be impacted by lower levels of trade and manufacturing activity and disruptions in supply chains due to China’s rising COVID cases.

North American carriers reported a 5.1 percent decrease in demand in 2022 compared to 2021 (-6.3 percent for international operations) and a capacity increase of 4.2 percent (+4.9 percent for international operations).

Compared to 2019 (pre-COVID levels), demand was 13.7 percent above (+12.7 percent for international operations) and capacity was up 8.2 percent (5.1 percent for international operations). In December, airlines in the region reported an 8.5 percent decrease in demand for both global and international operations, compared to 2021. Capacity fell 2.9 percent (+1.8 percent for international operations) during the same period.

European carriers posted the worst year-on-year performance of all regions, with an 11.5 percent decrease in demand in 2022 compared to 2021 (-11.8 percent for international operations).

During the same period, airlines posted a capacity increase of 0.5 percent for both global and international operations. Compared to 2019 (pre-COVID levels), demand was 8.7 percent below (-9.1 percent for international operations) and capacity was down 16.5 percent (-17.3 percent for international operations).

In December, airlines in the region posted a 17.4 percent decrease in demand (-17.9 percent for international operations) compared to 2021. Capacity fell 7.0 percent (-7.4 percent for international operations) during the same period. Airlines in the region continue to be most affected by the war in Ukraine.

Middle Eastern carriers reported a decrease of 10.7 percent for global and international demand in 2022 compared to 2021 and an increase in capacity of 4.3 percent (+4.5 percent for international operations).

Compared to 2019 (pre-COVID levels), demand was 1.6 percent below for global and international operations and capacity was down 6.3 percent (-6.1 percent for international operations).