Research Report
The current state of air & ocean cargo capacity
5-minute read
February 21, 2025
In brief
- International air cargo capacity is led by e-commerce on key trade lanes.
- Stable belly capacity, while freighter capacity fluctuates in January.
- Container trade outgrow scheduled capacity.
The evolution of air cargo capacity and global trade
The logistics and air cargo industry is highly dynamic, constantly shaped by evolving market conditions, technological advancements, and shifting consumer demands. Global trade patterns, economic fluctuations, and regulatory changes can dramatically alter the landscape, requiring industry players to adapt quickly. The rise of e-commerce, for example, has led to increased demand for faster and more efficient delivery services, while geopolitical events or disruptions in supply chains can necessitate rapid strategic pivots. As a result, industry players must remain agile, leveraging innovation and flexible strategies to navigate these changes and maintain their competitive edge.
Those who can swiftly adapt to new market realities are better positioned to meet customer expectations, optimize operations, and drive long-term success. With our comprehensive, reliable and up-to-date demand and supply databases, our travel industry practice is able to provide insights and data on global air cargo capacity, express and ocean freight demand and capacity on a regular basis.
Notes: Direct international flights only; Flows indicate region-to-region capacity; regions indicated by shades of grey; Total air cargo capacity includes widebody passenger and all freighter flights; 1) December 30th 2024 – February 2nd 2025, compared to December 30th 2023 – February 2nd 2024; Source: Accenture Cargo Capacity Tracking Database, Accenture Cargo analysis (February 2025).
Total International air cargo capacity has increased by +4% over the past five weeks compared to 2024
Asia Pacific – Middle East – Europe trade lanes showcase persistent growth, mostly driven by E-commerce.
Notes: Direct International air cargo capacity only; All freighters and widebody passenger aircraft only; 1) 2025 data up February 2nd; 2) December 30th 2024 – February 2nd 2025, compared to December 30th 2023 – February 2nd 2024; 3) Comparing the five most recent weeks (December 30th 2024 – February 2nd 2025) versus the five weeks prior to those; Source: Accenture Cargo Capacity Tracking Database, Accenture Cargo Analysis (February 2025).
Passenger belly capacity remains stable, freighter capacity is experiencing annually recurring January volatility
January freighter volatility caused by post-December demand drop, followed by ramp-up to and start of Chinese New Year.
Note : Includes scheduled container capacity in Jan – Aug; Arrow thickness indicative of 2024 ocean (TEU) capacity; Figure shows ocean container capacity from a departure perspective; Source: Accenture Cargo Scheduled Ocean Capacity database; Accenture Cargo Analysis (February 2025).
Global container capacity grew +5.1% in Sep – Dec 2024, despite strong declines on Transatlantic
The anticipated US port strikes and the shift of capacity out of Asia from North to South America led to a decrease in transatlantic capacity.
Notes: 1) Scheduled capacity only; Ports include: CNSHA, SGSIN, CNNGB, CNSHK, CNTAO, CNNSA, KRPUS, CNTXG, USLGB, USLAX, AEJEA, HKHKG, MYPKG, NLRTM, CNXMN, BEANR, MYTPP, THLCH, KWKHH, MAPTM, VNUT; Source: Accenture Cargo Ocean Trade Database, Alphaliner; Accenture Cargo Global Ocean Capacity Database; Accenture Cargo analysis (February 2025).
Global container trade outgrew scheduled capacity in 2024
Growth in global fleet capacity continues to outperform container trade and scheduled capacity growth.