Cathay Cargo reported higher freight volumes last month, lifted by seasonal holiday demand and stronger demand for fresh goods transport. 

The freight arm of Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific, carried over 150,000 tonnes of cargo in October, representing a 12% increase month-on-month.

This is also higher than the 139,821 tonnes carried in August and the 140,156 tonnes in July as well as the 132,462 tonnes transported in June 2025 and the 135,807 tonnes of cargo handled in May.

Compared to year-ago levels, Cathay Cargo carried 6% more cargo in October 2025 than in October 2024, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 8%.

In the first 10 months of 2025, the total tonnage increased by 10% compared with the same period for 2024.

"In October, momentum continued to strengthen despite various holidays in our home market, with growth observed across most regions," said Lavinia Lau, chief customer and commercial officer at Cathay.

"We saw robust demand for our Cathay Fresh solution, driven by the transport of fresh produce from Southeast Asia and Oceania to Hong Kong, as well as chilled salmon from South America to the Chinese Mainland."

Lau noted that the Cathay Priority solution also recorded solid growth from Southeast Asia and the Greater Bay Area, reflecting robust demand for time-sensitive shipments ahead of the festive season and year-end sales events.

"As we look ahead to the remainder of the cargo peak season, we expect demand to remain healthy with high loads continuing, particularly on key trade lanes," the Cathay executive said.