HONG KONG – The International Air Transport Association is predicting a net growth of approximately two to three percent in worldwide air cargo capacity this year, according to Glyn Hughes, IATA’s global head of cargo.

“We’re expecting that increase for a few reasons,” said Hughes, who was speaking at the seventh WCA Worldwide Conference in Hong Kong. “For example, many airlines are renewing their fleets with bigger planes. Also, the recent reduction in oil prices could mean that many withdrawn aircraft are placed back into service.”

In 2014, 6.8 trillion tonnes of cargo were carried by air, said Hughes, which accounted for about 35 percent of the total volume of freight around the world.

Hughes said that the extra capacity will cater to a change in consumers’ demands.

“Consumer behaviour is shifting and people want products in their hands much faster,” he said. “Air cargo is expensive, but it’s the only way to achieve that immediacy.”

– Jeffrey Lee