Global Air Cargo Demand Rises as Shippers Shift to Air Freight and West Coast Ports

Global air cargo demand has surged with double‑digit year‑on‑year growth, driven by resilient manufacturing output and the need for faster, more reliable transit amid ongoing maritime bottlenecks. Capacity has expanded largely through the belly space of passenger aircraft, allowing shippers to divert high‑value goods to air freight despite higher costs.

The Port of Los Angeles has recorded a notable increase in container volumes as businesses adjust supply‑chain strategies, seeking proven West Coast gateways to maintain steady flow of retail and industrial products.

In Europe, geopolitical risks, sanctions and shifting trade patterns are reshaping air‑freight networks. Operators are moving away from fixed long‑haul routes toward more flexible structures that rely on secondary airports, partnerships and digital forecasting tools. This adaptability aims to preserve service continuity when political or regulatory disruptions alter demand within days.