Cathay Cargo began the year with steady momentum, supported by resilient demand across its specialist products and continued strength in key export markets despite a softer post‑peak period following the Lunar New Year holidays.

The cargo arm of Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific carried over 130,000 tonnes of cargo during the month, marking a 5% increase year on year, with Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) rising 3% as demand for its Fresh and Pharma products remained strong and specialist movements—including a 60‑horse charter for the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show—added to overall uplift.

“Following the year-end cargo peak, our cargo business got off to a slower start in 2026 while still maintaining year-on-year growth,” said Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau.

She noted that demand across its specialist products remained resilient, even as the post‑peak slowdown tempered overall activity.

“Meanwhile, our specialist solutions continued to perform well. Cherries and seafood from Oceania to Hong Kong and other major Asian cities contributed significantly to the demand for Cathay Fresh, while increased pharmaceutical movements from Europe and Central America supported the continued growth of our Cathay Pharma solution.”

“In addition, we were proud to fly around 60 elite showjumping horses from Europe to Hong Kong for the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show 2026, demonstrating our expertise in transporting live animals as the event’s founding partner.”

Lau said the seasonal slowdown was expected to ease as the quarter progresses. “Looking ahead, we expect demand to pick up again in the rest of the first quarter after a softer period over the extended Lunar New Year holidays.”

Overall, Cathay described January as a “solid start” to 2026, noting continued momentum across both its passenger and cargo businesses.