IATA report that global air freight demand was up by 9% in 2017. This compares well with the 3.6% growth of 2016.

In addition, air freight capacity grew by 3% in 2017, the slowest annual growth since 2012. This seems to be as companies reduced their redundant capacity and allowed fewer aircraft to take more freight.

“Air cargo had its strongest performance since the rebound from the global financial crisis in 2010. Demand grew by nine per cent,” said IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac.

“That outpaced the industry-wide growth in both cargo capacity and in passenger demand. We saw improvements in load factors, yields and revenues. Air cargo is still a very tough and competitive business, but the developments in 2017 were the most positive that we have seen in a very long time.

The IATA DG concluded, “The outlook for air freight in 2018 is optimistic. Consumer confidence is buoyant. And we see growing strength in international e-commerce and the transport of time – and temperature-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals. Overall the pace of growth is expected to slow from the exceptional 9.0 per cent of this year. But we still expect a very healthy 4.5 per cent expansion of demand in 201