Airfreight capacity falls 42%, 'damaging' global supply chains

Airfreight volume fell more than 27.7% year over year (YoY) in April, according to the latest numbers from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Freight capacity fell nearly 42% YoY in April. International belly capacity fell by about 75% YoY as a result of flight cancellations due to the pandemic, according to IATA.​ "The result is damaging global supply chains with longer shipping times and higher cost," IATA’s Director General and CEO​ Alexandre de Juniac said in a statement. Airlines are deploying as much capacity as possible, including special charter operations and the temporary use of passenger cabins for cargo.