The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has projected a significant rise in global air cargo volumes, anticipating an increase to 80 million tons in 2025, a 5.8percent growth compared to 2024.
This surge is attributed to ongoing ocean shipping delays, tight freighter capacity, and the robust expansion of cross-border e-commerce.
Speaking at the Fireside Chat on the main stage of Air Cargo Africa in Nairobi, the Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, Badr Abbas, highlighted the key drivers behind this growth.
He emphasized the substantial contributions from Chinese e-commerce traffic and the rising demand for shipments bound for Dubai.
“We expect demand to remain consistently high, with notable volume contributions from strong Chinese e-commerce traffic and a rise in shipments bound for Dubai,” he stated.
Mr Abbas, also underscored Emirates SkyCargo’s commitment to strengthening relationships with both longstanding and new customers.
He pointed to the carrier’s innovative product portfolio, extensive global widebody network, and world-class capabilities as key factors in maintaining its competitive edge.
“This momentum reaffirms our strategic vision and underscores our readiness to navigate emerging opportunities,” he added.
E-commerce continues to be a transformative force in the global economy, and Emirates SkyCargo is positioning itself at the forefront of this shift.
Mr Abbas, highlighted the company’s investments in specialized infrastructure and fleet expansion as critical steps to support growing hubs in the Middle East and South Asia.
“Without a doubt, e-commerce is one of the biggest trends reshaping the global economy, and we are at the forefront of this transformation,” Mr Abbas said.
Emirates SkyCargo’s mission, as outlined by the Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, is to enable businesses to thrive in the digital age by ensuring that goods reach consumers with speed, reliability, and care.
He said with its strategic investments and focus on innovation, the carrier is well-positioned to capitalize on the evolving dynamics of global trade and air cargo demand.
He added that the optimistic outlook from IATA and the insights shared by him, reflects broader industry confidence in the resilience and growth potential of the air cargo sector, particularly as it adapts to the demands of a rapidly changing global economy.