TIACA's Hughes steps down as director general

The International Air Cargo Association's (TIACA) has confirmed Glynn Hughes will step down from his position as director general. Hughes was appointed in February 2021 and has been in the job for five years. TIACA is now seeking a successor to the director general role, although it did not clarify when Hughes will leave the position. Hughes said: "Serving as Director General since 2021 has been an honor. Together with our Board, members, and team, we have reinforced TIACA's global presence and strengthened our value proposition. "The next Director General will inherit a strong platform and an engaged global community, and I am confident they will continue to advance TIACA's mission with energy and purpose." Before joining TIACA, Hughes spent six years as global head of cargo at IATA, starting in the role in 2014. As chief executive of the Association, the director general operates under the direction of the Board and is responsible for supervising the affairs of the Association, ensuring both financial and operational success. The director general leads the execution of TIACA's vision and strategy, developed in collaboration with the Executive Committee and approved by the Board, and is accountable for delivering agreed projects and programs while providing robust operational and financial reporting. The role also serves as TIACA's primary representative and spokesperson, maintaining strong relationships with members, partners, media, and industry stakeholders worldwide. In addition to strategic execution, the director general is tasked with developing and implementing a commercial action plan to ensure TIACA remains relevant, attractive, and financially sustainable, meeting or exceeding revenue goals and identifying new revenue-generating opportunities. "The Director General plays a critical role in shaping the future of TIACA and ensuring we deliver measurable results for our members and the broader air cargo community," said TIACA chair, Roos Bakker. "We are seeking a visionary yet practical leader who can execute our strategy with discipline, strengthen our global partnerships, and drive sustainable growth. This is a unique opportunity to guide a respected international association at a time of significant industry transformation."

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IATA flags growing risks despite January's air cargo demand growth

Four regions saw faster-than-average air cargo demand growth in January, contributing to another month of global year on year gains, but IATA has warned that the industry will be tested by more challenges in the coming months. The trade body reported that total demand, measured in cargo tonne km (CTK), rose by 5.6% compared to January 2025 levels. "Growth patterns diverged by region. Africa led with an 18.2% rise, extending its streak of double-digit gains. The Americas registered a decline for the sixth consecutive month," said IATA. Capacity, measured in available CTK (ACTK), increased by 3.6% compared to January 2025. However, January's rise marked "the highest January ACTK volume on record, yet the pace of growth decelerated", IATA commented. "Asia Pacific capacity reached a historic high but recorded its weakest January growth since 2020, pointing to emerging capacity fatigue." Commenting on the overall picture, Willie Walsh, IATA's director general, said: "The demand for air cargo had a robust start to 2026, recording 5.6% year-on-year growth in January." "At the regional level, the story is more polarised. Carriers in Africa, Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Europe all reported faster growth than the global average. In contrast, carriers in the Americas reported aggregate contractions." He added: "The resilience of air cargo will continue to be tested in the coming months. In addition to the long-running uncertainties of evolving US trade policies, the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East will both weigh heavy on global supply chains." There were several factors that indicated a healthy trade environment, though, noted IATA. Global manufacturing sentiment strengthened in January, with the global Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising above the 50-point expansion threshold to 51.8, its highest level in over a year and a half. The PMI for new export orders climbed to 49.9, slightly below the growth threshold but the highest in 10 months, reflecting mixed but cautiously optimistic industrial growth. The global goods trade grew by 4.9% year-on-year in December 2025, while jet fuel prices decreased by 6.5% year-on-year in January. Regional performance in January African airlines saw a 18.2% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in January, the strongest growth of all regions. Capacity increased by 6.5% year on year. Middle Eastern carriers saw a 9.3% demand increase. Capacity increased by 9.9%, the strongest rise of all regions. Asia Pacific airlines saw a 7.8% demand increase, while capacity increased by 3.3%. European airlines saw a 6.9% demand increase and capacity increased 4.9%. North American carriers saw a 0.5% year-on-year decline in demand. North America was also the only region showing a capacity decrease, slightly declining by 0.2%. Latin American and Caribbean carriers saw a 2% year-on-year decrease, the weakest performance of all regions. Meanwhile, capacity increased by 2.3%. Looking at trade lane growth, IATA said airfreight volumes in January increased across most major trade corridors, with the notable exception of the Asia-North America route, which saw a 0.6% year on year decline. The Europe-Asia trade lane, which saw a 15.2% year-on-year increase in January, has now clocked up 35 consecutive months of growth.