MESA-US air cargo volumes rise 13% year on year

Air cargo volumes from the Middle East and South Asia to the US were 13% higher year on year in the week to 27 September, while average rates on the route rose 70%, according to WorldACD Market Data.

The annual increase was driven by India, where traffic to the US grew 15%, and Bangladesh, which recorded a 47% rise. The figures show continued demand for air freight on the region’s key US trade lane.

Weekly volumes from MESA to the US fell 2%, with Dubai down 7%, India down 1% and Sri Lanka down 12%. However, the annual growth has kept the route well above last year’s levels.

Traffic from MESA to Europe fell 6% week on week, while volumes from Dubai remained stable. Rates to Europe rose 3% during the week and were 63% higher than a year earlier.

The strong year-on-year figures are important for airlines, freight forwarders and shippers as they plan capacity and pricing on major MESA trade routes.

Globally, air cargo volumes were 5% higher than a year earlier, while capacity was unchanged for the third straight week.

WorldACD said China’s Golden Week holiday from 1 to 7 October is expected to affect export flows.