MESA air cargo rates rise 49% as volumes grow 2%

Air cargo volumes from the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) were 2% higher year on year in the week to September 20, while average full-market rates from the region rose 49%, according to WorldACD Market Data.

The figures show continued demand for air freight from the region, with pricing remaining well above last year’s levels. Worldwide, average full-market rates were 24% higher year on year during the same week.

MESA traffic to Europe was broadly stable during the week, rising 1% compared with the previous week. Growth from Bangladesh helped offset a decline in traffic from Sri Lanka, according to the data.

The market is also entering a period of higher freight activity as China’s Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Golden Week approach. The two holiday periods will bring production, export handovers and freight planning into a shorter window, creating opportunities for air cargo operators and forwarders to handle time-sensitive shipments.

Freight forwarders reported rising general cargo demand from North China as shippers moved cargo ahead of the holiday period. Air freight can also provide an option for urgent and high-value shipments when ocean schedules do not meet required timelines.

For MESA carriers and logistics providers, sustained demand and firm rates point to continued activity on key trade lanes as businesses plan shipments around the upcoming Chinese holidays.