African carriers posted a 14.7 per cent year-on-year rise in air cargo demand in September, the highest among all regions, reported Lagos' Nairametrics.

The figures were released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which also noted a 7.4 per cent increase in capacity for African airlines. The Africa��sia trade lane expanded 9.6 per cent, marking its third consecutive month of growth.

Global air cargo demand rose 2.9 per cent compared to September 2024, with international operations up 3.2 per cent. Available capacity increased three per cent globally, and 4.4 per cent for international services.

IATA said the global goods trade grew seven per cent in August, while jet fuel prices rose 5.4 per cent in September due to a tighter diesel market. The global manufacturing PMI improved to 51.3, and export orders edged up to 49.6.

Asia-Pacific carriers saw a 6.8 per cent rise in demand, European airlines posted a 2.5 per cent increase, and Middle Eastern carriers grew 0.6 per cent. North American and Latin American carriers recorded declines in demand.

IATA director general Willie Walsh said the sector is adapting to shifting trade flows, with growth in Asia��urope, Africa��sia and Middle East��sia corridors offsetting declines in Asia��orth America and Middle East��urope routes.