Robust manufacturing market boosts Asia Pacific air cargo

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has reported strong demand for air cargo supported by a robust manufacturing market.

Overall, international air cargo demand in freight tonne kilometres (FTK) edged 0.2% higher year-on-year in February, with volumes close to 9% above the corresponding month in the pre-pandemic year of 2019.

Offered freight capacity expanded by 4.7% year-on-year, resulting in a 3.1 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 69.4% for the month.

Subhas Menon, AAPA director general said that “further expansion in the global manufacturing sector has supported air cargo markets”.

However, he added: “Nevertheless, with the outbreak of war in Ukraine at the end of February, Asian airlines face mounting challenges. Elevated fuel prices, airspace closures, as well as an overall increase in inflationary pressures will weigh heavily on both passenger and cargo business segments.”

Rebecca Jeffrey  www.aircargonews.net & Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA)