After several weeks of growth, global airfreight volume dropped -7% in week 18 (April 27 – May 3) compared to the week before as the rush to move flowers in time for Mother’s Day ended and business activity slowed in several countries due to Labor Day. Despite the slowdown in volume and a rise in bellyhold capacity, pricing continued to climb.
Looking at the preliminary results for the full month of April, tonnage jumped +5% year on year (YoY), after dropping -4% in March, while global average rates increased from +12% YoY in March to +28% last month, arriving at its highest level this year at US$3.17 per kg, as per WorldACD Market Data.