IAG Cargo 2025 results: steady yields, sharp rise in Critical volumes and perishables growth

2025 key performance snapshot

IAG Cargo reported commercial revenues of €1,238 million for 2025, a 0.3% year‑on‑year increase, while cargo tonne kilometres (CTKs) rose by 0.4% and overall yield held at 2024 levels. Demand for premium, time‑sensitive services was a clear driver: Critical volumes jumped 41% year‑on‑year and perishables shipments increased 12%, with notable strength on Latin America–Europe lanes into Madrid (+22%).

Numbers at a glance

What changed operationally

Behind the headline numbers, the company leaned into capacity planning and digital tools to smooth out network performance. Investments in forecasting and online booking enhancements — including a best‑price online commitment and improved self‑service — aimed to reduce friction for shippers and speed up the booking-to-ship cycle.

Third‑party handling and network reach

IAG Cargo expanded third‑party handling functions, now processing MASkargo shipments through its London Heathrow hub. The plan to form a Global Cargo Joint Business with Qatar Airways Cargo and MASkargo, subject to regulatory sign‑off, is meant to knit complementary networks together and offer broader market access and improved connectivity.

Operational focus areas

• Reliability: process improvements and infrastructure resilience to minimise delays.
• Digitalisation: forecasting, capacity matching and better visibility for customers.
• Service mix: growth in time‑critical and temperature‑sensitive cargo segments.

Implications for shippers and supply chains

For those moving high‑value or perishable goods, the trend is clear: carriers that can guarantee speed and visibility command market share. The 41% rise in Critical volumes signals stronger demand for premium express options; perishables growth points to seasonal and lane shifts that logistics planners must watch.

Operational impacts freight managers should note

• Rebalance capacity planning toward priority shipments during peak perishables seasons.
• Reassess cold‑chain partners and contingency routing into hubs like Madrid and Heathrow.
• Leverage improved booking tools to lock in rates and space earlier in the cycle.

David Shepherd

David Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer at IAG Cargo, framed the year as one of stabilisation and modular growth: better capacity planning delivered consistency, digital investment improved forecasting, and streamlined operations reduced day‑to‑day complexity. The net effect, he noted, was increased agility and a firmer footing going into 2026.

How the joint business could reshape air freight networks

The proposed alliance with Qatar Airways Cargo and MASkargo would create one of the globe’s larger combined networks. If regulators approve, expected benefits include more consistent connections across regions, broader market access for forwarders, and scale advantages that could translate into more reliable hub transfers and routing options for long‑haul shipments.

Potential logistics outcomes

• Greater route density on key lanes — potentially lower transit times for combined networks.
• Improved interline handling standards via shared operating practices and third‑party handling hubs.
• Opportunities for forwarders to consolidate more shipments under unified service guarantees.

Quick practical takeaways for logistics teams

If you’re planning seasonal shipments, don’t wait until the last minute. The market is signaling a preference for guaranteed, time‑critical options — which means capacity for standard freight can tighten. As they say, “fortune favours the prepared,” so book early, check hub routings (Madrid/Heathrow are hot), and use digital booking systems to secure space and the best price.

Provide a short forecast on how this news could impact the global logistics. The results are modest on a global scale — a 0.3% revenue uptick is not a market‑shifting event — but the structural moves matter. The rise in premium and perishables demand and the planned Global Cargo Joint Business are locally significant: they influence routing choices, capacity allocation, and service expectations. GetTransport.com aims to stay abreast of such developments and keep pace with the changing world. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.

Highlights: strong growth in Critical services, perishables expansion, steady CTKs and yield, and strategic moves toward a Global Cargo Joint Business and expanded third‑party handling at Heathrow. Even with the best reviews and the most honest feedback, nothing beats personal experience — testing a carrier or a route is the only way to know how it performs for your supply chain. On GetTransport.com, you can order your cargo transportation at the best prices globally at reasonable prices. Get the best offers GetTransport.com.com

Summary: IAG Cargo closed 2025 with €1,238m revenue, marginal top‑line growth, rising CTKs and a notable shift toward premium and perishable traffic. Investments in digital tools and operational upgrades have improved booking transparency and capacity planning, while the proposed alliance with Qatar Airways Cargo and MASkargo could extend network reach and consistency. For shippers and forwarders, the message is to prioritise visibility, early booking and cold‑chain reliability. In short, the numbers suggest incremental growth rather than disruption — but the strategic moves could influence freight, shipment and routing choices in 2026. For affordable, global cargo transport solutions including office and home moves, bulky goods, vehicles and palletised freight, GetTransport.com offers a convenient, cost‑effective way to simplify transport and meet diverse logistics needs efficiently.