Air cargo exports increased by 48.55 percent within the first four months of the year compared to last year, reaching $8.5 billion. According to data gathered by an Anadolu Agency (AA) reporter from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), general exports decreased by 6 percent compared to last year, dropping to $50.5 billion. While $25.8 billion of these exports was transported via sea, $255.2 million was transported by railway, $15.7 billion by road and $8.5 billion by air, which saw the biggest increase. According to experts at Turkish Airlines (THY), globalization and the integration of international markets have seen air cargo's importance increased as well as become a key method of international trade. Experts note that with fast transportation, high safety and security, professional handling, high-quality and wide international reach, demand for air cargo has increased. The experts also stressed that due to the strengthening of the dollar, exports to the U.S. have increased - one of the key reasons behind the increase in air cargo.