Usage of belly space increases by 10% in 2025

Covid-19 saw a transformation as pax aircraft, which gave birth to enhanced utilisation of bellyhold capacity. This came at a time when most professionals were of the view that the pandemic would mean standstill for a long period of time in the air cargo sector.

-Dr. Shehara Fernando

According to data, bellyholds of passenger aircraft now carry 55 per cent of all international air freight capacity (January 2025), up from 54 per cent in 2024 and 53 per cent in 2023. This follows 46 consecutive months of belly capacity expansion and a 10 per cent year-on-year jump in January 2025 alone.

In 2024, IATA puts belly capacity at 54.8 per cent of supply and 45.2 per cent for freighters, confirming that the belly share has regained—and slightly surpassed—its pre-Covid-19 position.

Independent analytics firm, Rotate, calculates a 13 per cent year-on-year rise in bellyhold capacity in 2024, leaving the industry “1 per cent shy of 2019 levels”.

A set of experts in the field of air cargo, while speaking with CARGOTALK were of the view although it was vital to utilise the capacities available for conducting greater good, it was eye opener to re-think business potential. While freighters engage in transportation of the bulkier cargo, the belly capacities could be more useful to the e-commerce sector.

In terms of e-commerce, it has obtained the respect and given an additional branch to reach out to those involved in the industry. It manages to bring the revenue much faster as the packages on average would be frequent, with seamless solutions.

Optimising revenue incargo operations

Yamrot Nigussie, Cargo Manager, Gulf Ethiopian Airlines

For fact using belly capacity is cost-effective, maximising revenue from existing pax flights without added operational costs. Airlines use data analytics to forecast demand, optimise routing, and adjust pricing, improving space utilisation and minimising empty cargo holds thereby increasing profitability across mixed-use fleets. Belly capacity enables faster transit for e-commerce and time-sensitive shipments by leveraging frequent passenger flights.

Hybrid belly model enhances speed, reach

Zameer Marikkar, Chief Commercial Officer, Fits Cargo

Utilising bellies offers advantages over freighters, especially in terms of cost. It is an economical, leveraging existing pax flights without full freighter costs. At Fits Cargo, our hybrid model uses data analytics to optimise capacity and identify partnerships. By analysing the route performance and demand, we use unutilised belly space for e-commerce. Belly cargo is vital for time-sensitive logistics, enabling faster transit and frequent departures.

Coordination key to belly optimisation

Abid Hamza, GM, Business Development, Fast Logistics Cargo FZCO

Utilising bellies in pax aircraft reduces costs and emissions by maximising space. With AI and data analytics for route optimisation and demand forecasting, airlines can improve load factors and yield. It supports e-commerce and urgent shipments with faster transit and broad coverage. As e-commerce grows, they collaborate with logistics and technology for real-time tracking and last-mile efficiency. Regulations govern safety of sensitive goods.

Data-driven analytics refine capacity use

Razmal Assen, Executive Director, Scanwell Logistics

Belly capacity allows airlines to optimise space and cut costs by ferrying goods in otherwise unused compartments, enhancing efficiency without needing separate aircraft operations. Data-driven analytics refine capacity utilisation, allowing airlines to forecast demand, adjust flight schedules, and maximise load. Cargo in belly plays a vital role in supporting e-commerce growth.”

Belly cargo solution for e-commerce surge

Chaminda Perera, Head, Cargo, SriLankan Airlines

While freighters offer larger capacity, bellies provide cost-effective solution by leveraging passenger flight networks to offset operational costs and increase efficiency. Airlines optimise belly space using data analytics on baggage, and aircraft performance. With limited freighter capacity, belly cargo manages rising e-commerce volumes.”

Balancing efficiency, reliability & compliance

Rohit Thakwani, CEO, Airglow Aviation Group

Belly capacity allows airlines to move cargo across high-frequency routes, offering cost advantages and better coverage than freighters. With the help of data, airlines can forecast demand, optimise space, and plan loads intelligently, reducing waste. It is useful for e-commerce and time-sensitive cargo, where speed and network reach are critical.”