The most significant growth was recorded by carriers in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions at 5.9 per cent and 12.9 per cent respectively. Carriers in these regions captured the vast majority of the global increase (93 per cent).
"More goods are being traded internationally and that is fuelling the growth in air freight. It was clear in November that most of that growth is being captured by carriers in the dynamic and relatively business-friendly Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions," said Tony Tyler, IATA's Director General and CEO.
"This year we expect air freight markets to expand by 4.5 per cent, outpacing projected growth in world trade (4 per cent). But that optimism is tempered by the many macro-economic and political risks that continue to impact trade flows," he said.
"The air cargo industry enters 2015 by solid growth trend. To turn the growth into sustained stronger profitability, the air cargo industry faces the challenge of investing in more efficient and higher quality processes and facilities that will give it the winning edge over its competitors," he said.