Africa Weekly Aviation Trails: Week 45, 2025.

Introduction.

Global air‑cargo volumes rose by 4% year‑on‑year in October 2025, according to Xeneta data, driven mainly by strong trade between Asia and Europe. While this increase exceeded expectations, it came against a backdrop of weakening trade signals—most notably a 6% drop in Europe–North America cargo volumes. The supply side expanded more rapidly, with capacity up 5%, creating a mismatch that placed downward pressure on rates. Spot freight rates fell by 3% to US $2.58/kg, while long‑term contract rates dropped 8% to US $2.31/kg. On key routes, Asia Pacific to Europe freight demand rose by 11%—but that was below the 16% growth seen the previous year—and spot rates climbed just 5%, compared to 9% a year earlier. These dynamics suggest cost pressure for carriers, a favourable environment for shippers, and mixed implications for regions like Africa, where lower rates could boost exports of perishables but slower global demand may limit broader cargo growth.

Conferences & Events.

The 36th International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) Africa & Middle East Regional Meeting was held from 3–7 November 2025 at the Peniel Retreat Centre in Victoria…