Global demand for air freight grew at its fastest rate in almost 18 months during July.

This robust growth in demand saw a five per cent increase in freight tonne kilometers (FTK), compared to the same month in 2015, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Much of that growth was down to the European market, which saw a 7.2 per cent FTK hike, followed by 6.7 per cent in the Middle East. In contrast, Africa and Latin America reported FTK drops of 6.8 and 5.6 per cent respectively.

Meanwhile, freight capacity measured in available freight tonne kilometers (AFTKs) increased by 5.2 per cent year-on-year, outstripping demand and keeping yields under pressure.

IATA’s director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said it was refreshingly rare for July to such a positive month for air freight, however he stressed that the industry faced challenges for the rest of the year.

“Global trade growth is sluggish, business confidence is weak and the political rhetoric on both sides of the Atlantic is not encouraging for further trade liberalisation,” he concluded.