KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 4): Global air freight demand in June 2016 showing a rise in freight tonne kilometers (FTK) of 4.3% year-on-year (y-o-y), according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In a statement yesrterday, IATA said this was the fastest pace of growth in 14 months.

It said freight capacity measured in available freight tonne kilometers (AFTKs) increased by 4.9% y-o-y, keeping yields under downward pressure.

IATA said freight demand increased y-o-y in June across all regions with the exception of Latin America which recorded a 9.8% decrease, compared to the same period last year.

It said the Middle East and Europe posted the fastest demand growth in June with year-on-year increases of 8.0% and 5.1% respectively.

IATA directior general and CEO Tony Tyler said June saw an improvement in demand for air freight.

“That’s good news. However, we cannot read too much into one month’s performance.

“Air cargo markets have been in the doldrums for several years during which there were several false starts on indications for improvement.

“We will continue watching developments closely, keeping in mind that the air freight business environment is fragile,” he said.

Tyler said global economic growth remains sluggish, world trade volumes continue to trend downwards and the industry faces heightened uncertainty in the aftermath of the Brexit vote.