The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for March air cargo performance demonstrating a severe capacity shortfall.

As most air freight is carried in the cargo hold of scheduled passenger flights, the cancellation of almost all air travel because of the COVID-19 crisis had a crippling effect on global air cargo capacity.

Global air freight demand fell by 15.2% in March compared to the previous year, but global capacity shrank by 22.7% (and -24.6% for international markets).

International markets account for 87% of air cargo. Belly capacity for international air cargo shrank by 43.7% in March compared to the previous year. IATA notes that this was partially offset by a 6.2% increase in capacity through expanded use of freighter aircraft, including the use of idle passenger aircraft for all-cargo operations.

"At present, we don't have enough capacity to meet the remaining demand for air cargo. Volumes fell by over 15% in March compared to the previous year. But capacity plummeted by almost 23%. The gap must be addressed quickly because vital supplies must get to where they are needed most. For example, there is a doubling of demand for pharmaceutical shipments that are critical to this crisis," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's Director General and CEO.

"With most of the passenger fleet sitting idle, airlines are doing their best to meet demand by adding freighter services, including adapting passenger aircraft to all-cargo activity. But mounting these special operations continues to face bureaucratic hurdles. Governments must cut the red tape needed to approve special flights and ensure safe and efficient facilitation of crew."

 

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