A Kenya Airways cargo plane. FILE PHOTO | NMG Africa witnessed the highest growth in international freight cargo volumes in September compared to any other region in the world as the airlines continue recovery from the impact of Covid-19.
Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) indicates that Africa recorded a 34.6 percent growth in the review period to mark a ninth consecutive increase on month to month.
The volumes, according to IATA, are 20 percent above the pre-crisis 2019 levels but have been trending sideways for the past six months.
Africa witnessed the highest growth in international freight cargo volumes in September compared to any other region in the world as the airlines continue recovery from the impact of Covid-19.
Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) indicates that Africa recorded a 34.6 percent growth in the review period to mark a ninth consecutive increase on month to month.
The volumes, according to IATA, are 20 percent above the pre-crisis 2019 levels but have been trending sideways for the past six months.
“African airlines saw international cargo volumes increase by 34.6 percent in September, the largest increase of all regions for the ninth consecutive month,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Total demand for air travel in September 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) was down 53.4 percent compared to September 2019.
The agency says continuing border closures and quarantine mandates are impacting negatively on travel.
“The recent US policy change to reopen travel from 33 markets for fully vaccinated foreigners from 8 November is a welcome development,” IATA said.
“Along with recent re-openings in other key markets like Australia, Argentina, Thailand, and Singapore this should give a boost to the large-scale restoration of the freedom to travel.”All the regions across the world saw their cargo volumes increase, an indicator that the aviation sector is now more dependent on cargo in the wake of dwindling number of passengers seeking air travel.However, IATA notes that capacity for international operations remains constrained at 8.9 percent below pre-Covid-19 levels (September 2019) for international operations.Supply chain disruptions and the resulting cargo delays led to long supplier delivery times. This typically means manufacturers use air transport, which is quicker, to recover time lost during the production process.The September global Supplier Delivery Time Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) was at 36, with values below 50 being favourable for air cargo.“The September new export orders component and manufacturing output […]
