The air cargo industry enjoyed a moderate period of growth in 2013.

This is according to the the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which released data that showed a 1.4 per cent expansion of global freight tonne kilometers (FTK) last year, compared to 2012. 

Statistics also showed that the year began at a slow pace, with cargo markets making relatively low levels of progress. This did accelerate during the latter part of 2013, although figures suggested that capacity increased more than demand. 

Tony Tyler, director general and chief executive officer at IATA, commented: "Trade itself is suffering from increasing protectionist measures by governments. The relative good fortunes of passenger markets compared to cargo make it difficult for airlines to match capacity to demand."

Figures show that the level of industry growth varied from region to region. Middle Eastern and Latin American regions experienced the highest level of demand, at 12.8 per cent and 2.4 per cent respectively. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific carriers actually experienced a fall in demand, dropping one per cent.