✈️ Global Air Cargo Demand Accelerates 7.7% in Sept 2026

Global air cargo demand rose 7.7% YoY in September 2026 (+8.6% for international operations), supported by robust global trade and manufacturing growth, alongside high AI-related shipments. • Overall Figures & Drivers - Global Demand (CTK): +7.7% YoY - Global Capacity (ACTK): +2.7% YoY (+3.3% international) - Global Trade: Up 3.6% YoY in August (42 consecutive months of expansion) - Manufacturing PMI: Global Output PMI rose to 53.8 (5-year high); New Export Orders reached 51.9 - Challenge: Jet fuel prices spiked 17.5% MoM and are 103.4% higher YoY, squeezing airline profitability • Regional Breakdown (Demand vs Capacity YoY) - North America: +11.8% demand | +0.8% capacity (strongest performance) - Asia-Pacific: +8.6% demand | +4.9% capacity (vital for Sri Lanka's regional supply chains, apparel & textiles, and export logistics) - Latin America & Caribbean: +6.7% demand | +7.6% capacity - Africa: +4.7% demand | -1.2% capacity - Europe: +4.5% demand | -1.6% capacity - Middle East: +3.8% demand | +7.0% capacity • Key Trade Lanes - Strongest growth recorded on Asia–North America and Within Asia routes. - Middle East-linked corridors (Europe–Middle East and Middle East–Asia) saw traffic declines.