Asia Pacific the star performer as airfreight rates take off

Surging jet fuel prices have added to the upward pressures that have seen global airfreight rates climb above the highs of the previous two peak seasons, as the industry enters its busiest period of the year.

Figures from the latest TAC-compiled Baltic Air Freight Index and World ACD indicate that rates have been rising by between 4% and 4.7% over the past fortnight, up some 26% compared with the same period of 2025.

Covering the period from 12-18 October, WorldACD noted chargeable weight and available capacity was up 2% week on week, with carriers having opted to expand freighter operations following two consecutive weeks of reductions.

TAC said the index had already surpassed the highs recorded over the previous two peak seasons in the run-up to both Thanksgiving and Christmas, with jet fuel prices having a part to play after more than doubling year on year, up 113%, said IATA.

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