The Airports Council International (ACI) says in July freight volumes increased by 8.9 per cent fuelled by strengthening global trade and industrial production.

On a year-to-date basis, global volume reached 8.4 per cent, which ACI notes drawing a particularly stark contrast with July 2016, where this number stood at 0.9 per cent.

Most regions posted strong growth in freight volume, with Africa leading the group at 18.1 per cent, followed by Europe (11.2 per cent), the Middle East (10.6 per cent) and Asia-Pacific (9.3 per cent).

North America and Latin America and Caribbean, did not benefit from the same strong surge, increasing 6.5 per cent and 3.8 per cent respectively, in line with their year to date numbers.

ACI says two countries in particular helped boost Africa’s freight numbers: South Africa and Kenya, both posting growth rates of more than 20 per cent

The association adds: “Although most countries in Europe benefitted from significant growth in July, Germany and the UK, the two largest freight markets in the region, contributed significantly to these numbers, standing at 9.3 per cent and 12.5 per cent respectively.

“As with the passenger traffic numbers, Istanbul Atatürk Airport stood out in freight volumes, growing 32.2 per cent year-over-year (YOY). Continuing a trend started in March, London-Heathrow contributed a significant part of the freight market’s increase in volume, growing 15.1 per cent in July, YOY.

“Despite a decrease in passenger traffic at Doha International Airport due to diplomatic fall-out in the region, the airport continued its sustained growth in freight volume, reaching 14.5 per cent YOY.”