Worldwide air cargo rates averaged 2.44 United States dollars per kilogram during the week ending February 8, marking a 1 percent increase compared with the preceding two weeks, according to market intelligence published Wednesday.
WorldACD Market Data reported that global chargeable weight rose 2 percent during the latest two week period, while capacity increased 6 percent year on year based on more than 500,000 weekly transactions tracked by the Amsterdam based provider.
Regional performance showed significant variation across major air cargo corridors. Africa recorded the strongest rate growth at 8 percent during the two week comparison period, followed by Europe at 8 percent and Middle East and South Asia at 10 percent year on year. Asia Pacific rates climbed 2 percent while North America declined 2 percent during the same timeframe.
The data covers the period immediately preceding Lunar New Year celebrations scheduled for February 17, which typically generate significant cargo movements as manufacturers rush shipments before extended factory closures across Asia.
Valentine’s Day on February 14 also drives seasonal flower shipments from production regions including Central and South America and East Africa, contributing to the recent chargeable weight increases.
Capacity constraints have tightened across key trade lanes in recent weeks, extending booking lead times particularly for time sensitive cargo. Airlines continue to prioritize high value and urgent shipments, including electronics and e commerce products.
Year on year comparisons show mixed results across origin regions. Asia Pacific chargeable weight increased 57 percent during the latest two week period compared with 2025, reflecting the later timing of Lunar New Year this year versus last January when the holiday occurred earlier.
Middle East and South Asia recorded 11 percent capacity growth year on year, while chargeable weight declined 12 percent during the comparison period. North America showed relatively stable performance with 4 percent capacity growth and 2 percent decline in chargeable weight year on year.
The air cargo industry continues navigating macroeconomic headwinds including trade tensions, shifting supply chains and evolving e commerce patterns. Tonnage growth in early 2026 follows strong performance in 2025, when global volumes advanced 4 percent despite economic uncertainties.
Market participants continue monitoring developments including United States tariff policies affecting Asian imports, European Union measures targeting low value e commerce shipments scheduled for July, and Red Sea shipping disruptions that have redirected ocean freight volumes to air cargo services since 2024.
Preliminary data for January indicated 9 percent year on year volume growth, though direct comparisons remain complicated by the shifting Lunar New Year calendar.
WorldACD provides comprehensive air cargo market intelligence to airlines, freight forwarders, shippers, airports and general sales agents. The company processes confidential data from partners under strict neutrality and independence principles, converting raw transaction information into actionable market insights.
