Air Cargo Monthly Update
Key air cargo market indicators updated monthly.
Compare trends, capacity, demand and load factors.
Latest Update:
Compaged to:
Cargo Demand
(CTX)
+11.2% YoY
Demand increased vs February 2025
International Demand
(CTX)
+11.6% YoY
International demand increased YoY
Cargo Capacity
(ACTK)
+8.5% YoY
Capacity increased vs February 2025
International Capacity
(ACTK)
+9.1% YoY
International capacity increased YoY
Cargo Load Factor
(CLF)
46.0%
+1.1 pts YoY
Demand increased vs February 2025
Market Direction
Strong Growth
Demand outpaced capacity growth
- YOY = Year on Year (compared with the same month last year)
Air Cargo Demand vs Capacity Growth (YoY)
Cargo Demand (CTK)
Cargo Capacity (ACTK)
Source: IATA Air Cargo Market Analysis
Key Takeaways - February 2026
- Global air cargo demand rose +11.2% YOY, with international demand up +11,6%.
- Capacity increased +8.5% YoY, while load factor improved to 46.0% (+1.1 pts).
- Demand growth outpaced capacity growth, indicating a tightening market.
- Strong performance across Asia Pacific and North America routes.
Monthly Air Cargo Market Data (YoY Comparison)
| Month | Cargo Demand (CTK) |
International Demand (CTK) |
Cargo Capacity (ACTK) |
International Capacity (ACTK) |
Load Factor (CLF) |
Change (pts) |
Market Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | +11.2% | +11.6% | +8.5% | +9.8% | 46.0% | +1.1% | Strong Growth |
| Jan 2026 | +11.2% | +11.6% | +8.5% | +9.8% | 46.0% | +1.1% | Positive |
| Dec 2025 | +11.2% | +11.6% | +8.5% | +9.8% | 46.0% | +1.1% | Positive |
| Nov 2025 | +11.2% | +11.6% | +8.5% | +9.8% | 46.0% | +1.1% | Positive |
| Oct 2025 | +11.2% | +11.6% | +8.5% | +9.8% | 46.0% | +1.1% | Positive |
| Sep 2025 | +11.2% | +11.6% | +8.5% | +9.8% | 46.0% | +1.1% | Stable |
About the Data:
CTK measures actual cargo traffic.
ACTK measures available cargo capacity.
CLF is the % of capacity used.
Source: IATA
Monthly Air Cargo Market Data (YoY Comparison)
1 Months
12 Months
3 Years
| Month | Cargo Demand (CTK) |
International Demand (CTK) |
Cargo Capacity (ACTK) |
International Capacity (ACTK) |
Load Factor (CLF) |
Change (pts) |
Market Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | +11.2% | +11.6% | +8.5% | +9.8% | 46.0% | +1.1% | Strong Growth |
| Jan 2026 | +11.2% | +11.6% | +8.5% | +9.8% | 46.0% | +1.1% | Positive |
| Dec 2025 | +11.2% | +11.6% | +8.5% | +9.8% | 46.0% | +1.1% | Positive |
| Nov 2025 | +11.2% | +11.6% | +8.5% | +9.8% | 46.0% | +1.1% | Positive |
| Oct 2025 | +11.2% | +11.6% | +8.5% | +9.8% | 46.0% | +1.1% | Positive |
| Sep 2025 | +11.2% | +11.6% | +8.5% | +9.8% | 46.0% | +1.1% | Stable |
About the Data:
CTK measures actual cargo traffic.
ACTK measures available cargo capacity.
CLF is the % of capacity used.
Source: IATA
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