Global air cargo volumes rose 2% in the third week of October as exporters in Asia ramped activity after the Golden Week and mid-autumn festival holidays, WorldACD Market Data reported. The improvement in chargeable weight during 12–18 October reversed two consecutive weeks of declines and was accompanied by a strengthening of market rates and a modest expansion in available capacity.
Regional patterns and capacity
WorldACD said chargeable weight from Asia Pacific increased by 9% week on week, driving the global recovery even as other origin regions recorded lower volumes over the same period. Airlines expanded freighter operations, lifting available capacity by 2%, while global air cargo rates rose by 4% week on week.
By contrast, the report recorded declines across several other origins during 12–18 October:
- North America: chargeable weight down 5% (partly reflecting public holidays in Canada and the US)
- Central and South America: down 4% (national holidays on 12 October contributed)
- Middle East and South Asia (MESA): down 3%
- Europe: down 2%
- Africa: down 1%
| Origin region | Week-on-week change |
|---|---|
| Asia Pacific | +9% |
| North America | -5% |
| Central & South America | -4% |
| MESA | -3% |
| Europe | -2% |
| Africa | -1% |
Flows to Europe and the US
The rebound in Asian export activity was especially visible on long-haul lanes. WorldACD reported that Asia Pacific chargeable weight to Europe rose 13% week on week and that shipments to the US increased by 10%. The transpacific recovery was particularly pronounced out of key Chinese hubs: Hong Kong exports to the US jumped 27% and mainland China shipments to the US were up 18% week on week.
Country and city details in the report showed variation within the region. South Korea recorded the strongest growth to Europe, up 34% as activity normalised after national holidays. China’s volumes to Europe rose 22%, while Singapore and Hong Kong increased shipments to Europe by 16% and 11% respectively. WorldACD also noted declines in Europe-bound volumes from Vietnam, Japan and Malaysia during the week.
Year-on-year comparisons highlighted continued demand for high-value technology freight across the Pacific: Asia Pacific chargeable weight to the US was 14% higher year on year, the dataset said, driven in part by shipments related to artificial intelligence and other technology sectors.
Data and usage
WorldACD Market Data provides near-real-time market indicators that freight carriers, integrators, forwarders and airports use to monitor short-term demand and price movements. The weekly snapshot for 12–18 October captures the immediate post-holiday bounce in Asia while showing weaker activity across several other origin regions for the same week.
Operators and supply-chain planners will note the combination of rising rates (+4%) and a small capacity expansion (+2%), alongside the regionally divergent tonnage movements reported by WorldACD.
- Global chargeable weight +2% week on week (12–18 October)
- Asia Pacific chargeable weight +9% week on week
- Global rates +4% week on week; capacity +2%
The figures and regional detail are sourced from WorldACD Market Data’s weekly release covering 12–18 October.
