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Air Freight

Global Air Freight Update: March 2026

Stay informed with regular insights on air freight rates, capacity developments, and global market trends.

Reliable air freight planning requires up-to-date market information. Our monthly Air Freight Market Update offers a concise overview of rate developments, capacity availability, and other relevant market changes. 

Current Air Freight Market Dynamics

Global Air Cargo forecast 2026 WACD expects a tonnage increase by 2,70% and IATA air cargo traffic ist projected to grow by 2,60% and cargo increase by 2,4%
Sustainable Fuel Global production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) continues to rise and is expected to reach 2,4 million tonnes in 2026. However, SAF is still projected to account for only 0,80% of global jet fuel consumption by 2026.
Market driver Asia Pacific, the Middle East and South Asia are expected to drive industry growth, together accounting for more than half of global air cargo volumes.
Air Cargo Capacity Air cargo capacity is expected to continue growing and may outpace demand growth in 2026.
Capacity expansion has been driven mainly by belly capacity, while freighter capacity remains under pressure on certain trade lanes.
Spot-air cargo rates globally From today´s perspective, spot air cargo rates are expected to remain at similar level to 2025, with regional and seasonal fluctuations.


For further insights or shipment-specific guidance, speak with one of our local specialists.

Contact our air freight experts

Implications for Shippers - What to Consider in the Coming Months

WACD expects an overall air cargo tonnage increase by approximately 2,80% in Q1 2026.

  • From China to Western Europe 
    Shipments are expected to grow by around 2 %. Spot rates are likely to remain broadly flat.
  • From Asia to North America
    The US market remains stable, with off-peak structural demand.
  • From Europe to Asia
    Demand and capacity are well balanced competitive rate levels available.
  • From North America to Europe
    Sufficient capacity is available and rates are expected to remain low.
  • From Europe to North America
    For lower Deck cargo, rates are attractive. However, for Main Deck cargo and oversized shipments, capacity remain tight and rates elevated due to freighter service constraints

What this means for shippers
Early planning remains essential for main deck and project cargo. Spot opportunities exist on several lanes.

Flexible routing and booking windows will help secure competitive rates.

Geopolitical situation
The U.S. Supreme Court has nullified key tariff policies, disrupting established economic strategies. US President Donald Trump has said he will impose global tariffs of 15%, as he has continued to rail against a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his previous import taxes.

Meanwhile, U.S.-Iran negotiations are facing new, intense scrutiny due to escalating regional pressures.

Russia is expanding "gray zone" warfare in Europe to increase the costs of supporting Ukraine

Europe
North America
Asia
Our Perspective & Practical Advice

Our Perspective & Practical Advice

“Across Europe, we’re seeing a balanced market on most eastbound lanes, with competitive rate levels available. However, for main deck and oversized cargo into North America, forward planning remains critical as freighter capacity constraints continue to keep rates elevated.”

Michal Fraj
Gebrüder Weiss Air & Sea Europe

Our Perspective & Practical Advice

Our Perspective & Practical Advice

“The transatlantic market remains well supplied, particularly from North America into Europe, where capacity supports attractive pricing. That said, ongoing geopolitical and tariff developments require shippers to stay agile and closely monitor routing and booking strategies.”

Amna Hazbic
Gebrüder Weiss Air & Sea Americas

Our Perspective & Practical Advice

Our Perspective & Practical Advice

“Asia-Pacific continues to be a primary engine of global air cargo growth, with stable demand into both Europe and North America. With overall capacity expansion largely driven by belly space, flexible booking windows will be key to capturing spot opportunities while maintaining cost efficiency."

Lana Ding
Gebrüder Weiss Air & Sea China