Air cargo demand rises 6% year over year in October

Xeneta reported that global air cargo demand increased 6% year over year in October 2026, while capacity held steady. The company also recorded a two-percentage-point rise in the global load factor to 63%.

Key details

• Average global spot rates rose 29% year over year to $3.11 per kilogram.
• Asia Pacific–North America cargo volumes increased 15% year over year.
• Southeast Asia–North America spot rates rose 3% month over month to $6.34/kg; Northeast Asia–North America rates rose 4% to $6.21/kg.
• Europe–North America westbound rates increased 10% month over month to $2.31/kg. Xeneta attributed the change to winter schedules and tighter capacity.
• Northeast Asia–Europe rates rose 4% month over month to $4.97/kg, while Southeast Asia–Europe rates rose 3% to $4.35/kg.

Asia Pacific–North America air cargo volumes rose 15% year over year in October 2026, Xeneta reported.

Why it matters

The October figures show a mix of stronger demand and unchanged overall capacity, alongside gains in the load factor and spot rates. Route-level changes varied, with increases across the listed Asia–North America, Europe–North America, and Asia–Europe lanes.