09:20

The volume of cargo being transported around the world by air tumbled by 15% in March, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), less than during the global financial crisis in 2008 when volumes fell by 23%.



Airlines suffering a 30% decline in passenger travel are quickly trying to repurpose passenger aircraft, or bring freight airplanes out of storage in order to fly goods including medical supplies and pharmaceuticals around the world, according to the industry body.

However IATA expects the volume of cargo flown around the world to fall during 2020 as the expected recession reduces consumers’ demand for goods.