Global air cargo demand rose 3.9% in July 2026 from a year earlier, outpacing capacity growth as airlines faced higher fuel costs, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Capacity increased 1.7%, IATA said in figures released on 31 August 2026. The association measures demand in cargo tonne-kilometres, which combine freight weight and distance flown. International demand grew 4.7%.

In Cayman, IBC Airways said the second aircraft it now more often deploys on weekdays provides additional capacity when volumes require it, rather than a fixed twice-daily schedule.

All regions recorded growth, IATA said, with airlines in Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America accounting for more than 90% of the overall increase. Dedicated freighters gained market share as freight carried in passenger-aircraft holds declined.

North American carriers led with demand growth of 4.8%. Latin American and Caribbean airlines recorded a 4.1% increase, although their capacity expanded faster, at 7%.

The growth came alongside rising operating costs. Jet fuel prices increased 12.2% from June and were 56.9% higher than a year earlier. IATA described the outlook as broadly positive, supported by manufacturing, export orders and trade, while warning about fuel prices, geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainty.

IBC adds second aircraft when volumes require

"We are delighted to see growing demand for our Cayman cargo service," said Rey Gonzalez, director of cargo operations at IBC Airways. "We operate Monday to Friday and are more frequently deploying two flights to Cayman in a day when required to meet our customers' needs. Cayman is an important part of our Caribbean network, and it is encouraging to see that business grow alongside our wider regional expansion. Our focus remains on providing reliable, responsive cargo services and supporting the businesses and communities we serve. We are pleased to be strengthening those connections and look forward to continuing to grow with our customers."

IBC's account describes increased demand on its own service rather than a measured growth rate for the islands' air freight market as a whole.

The Cayman Islands Airports Authority said it continues to work with carriers to accommodate their operational requirements. Its statement did not include Cayman-wide cargo figures.

"The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA) welcomes the reported growth in air cargo activity and continues to work with each airline to accommodate its scheduling and operational needs," the authority said. "The continued availability of reliable air cargo services supports connectivity and contributes to the efficient movement of goods to and from the Cayman Islands."

Other Caribbean routes

IBC's Cayman service is one of several Caribbean routes the airline operates from Miami using Saab 340 freighters, according to the company. Its other destinations include Nassau, Freeport, Kingston, Montego Bay and Providenciales. The airline operated its first direct cargo flight between Florida and Les Cayes in southern Haiti on 14 August 2025, and now carries freight between Miami and Les Cayes, accepting shipments through its facilities in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.