African airlines have emerged as the global leaders in air cargo growth, recording a 14.7% year-on-year increase in demand for September 2025 — the strongest performance across all regions, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
African Airlines Drive Global Cargo Momentum
The IATA report highlighted that capacity for African carriers rose 7.4% in the same period, reflecting the continent’s growing significance in global trade logistics. A major contributor to this growth was the Africa–Asia trade corridor, which expanded by 9.6% year-on-year, marking the third consecutive month of positive performance.
This steady rise demonstrates Africa’s strengthening position in global commerce, particularly through partnerships with Asian economies that have boosted cargo volumes and sustained demand.
Global Air Cargo Trends Show Continued Recovery
Globally, air cargo demand increased by 2.9% in September 2025 compared to the same month last year — the seventh straight month of growth. IATA noted that total capacity (measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers, ACTK) also climbed 3.0% year-on-year, signaling steady recovery in global logistics despite economic uncertainties.
According to the IATA data:
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Total demand (CTK) grew 2.9% globally (+3.2% for international operations).
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Total capacity (ACTK) increased by 3.0% (+4.4% for international operations).
“African airlines saw the strongest rise of all regions, with a 14.7% increase in demand and a 7.4% rise in capacity,” IATA said.
Factors Influencing Cargo Performance
The report pointed out that global trade conditions are improving, with goods trade rising 7% year-on-year in August 2025. Meanwhile, jet fuel prices rose 5.4% in September due to a tighter diesel market, even though crude oil prices were lower.
Additionally, the global manufacturing PMI improved to 51.3, its second consecutive month above the expansion threshold, while new export orders edged up to 49.6 — still below 50 but showing progress toward recovery.
Regional Performance Overview
While Africa led globally, other regions also saw varying performance levels:
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Asia-Pacific airlines: +6.8% demand, +4.8% capacity.
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European airlines: +2.5% demand, +4.4% capacity.
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Middle Eastern carriers: +0.6% demand, +5.5% capacity.
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North American carriers: -1.2% demand, -1.5% capacity.
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Latin American airlines: -2.2% demand, +3.1% capacity.
These figures reveal a shift in global trade dynamics, as traditional markets like North America and Europe face stagnation, while Africa and Asia continue to drive expansion.
IATA’s View on Global Trade Shifts
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, attributed the strong performance to structural changes in global trade patterns. He explained that recent U.S. tariff policies and the end of de minimis exemptions have reshaped trade flows, prompting growth along intra-Asian, Asian-African, and Asian-European routes.
“Instead of witnessing a contraction in global trade, the air cargo sector is showing its ability to adapt to evolving market conditions and shifting demand flows,” Walsh stated.
Trade Lane Highlights – September 2025
Air freight performance varied across key global corridors:
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Europe–Asia: +12.4% (31st consecutive month of growth)
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Within Asia: +10% (23rd consecutive month of growth)
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Middle East–Asia: +4.6%
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North America–Europe: +2.6%
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Africa–Asia: +9.6% (third consecutive month of growth)
However, not all trade lanes expanded:
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Asia–North America fell 3.5% (fifth straight month of decline)
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Middle East–Europe dropped 4.6%
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Within Europe declined 1.1%
Outlook
The September figures reaffirm Africa’s growing role in global logistics. As intra-African trade and Asia-linked routes continue to flourish, the continent’s carriers are expected to remain central to air cargo growth through 2026 — signaling both resilience and opportunity in the evolving global trade landscape.
Emmanuel Bassey is a Financial Expert that has worked in the Banking and Finance Industry for over 15+ years across different banks in Nigeria
