Airlines in the Asia Pacific continued to post cargo growth in April supported by the pick-up in global demand for export from major manufacturing hubs led by China.

Traffic figures released by the Kuala Lumpur-based Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed that international air cargo demand—measured in freight tonne-kilometres (FTK)—increased 13.7% last month compared to the same period last year.

In March, international air cargo demand recorded a 15.3% year-on-year increase, extending the rebound seen in the last quarter of 2023.

"Higher demand for consumer and intermediate goods contributed to the ongoing positive momentum in air cargo markets," AAPA said in a statement.

 [Source: AAPA]

For the region's carriers, offered freight capacity expanded by 14.4%. This led to a marginal 0.4 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 59.9%.

"During the same period, Asia Pacific airlines also posted an encouraging 15% year-on-year increase in air cargo traffic volumes, with the pick-up in global demand supporting export activity from major manufacturing hubs located in the region, in particular, China," said Subhas Menon, director-general of AAPA.

Positive outlook despite challenges

Looking ahead, Menon signalled confidence in the continued expansion of cargo in the Asia Pacific citing improving business and consumer climate.

"Positive business and consumer confidence levels are likely to support continued growth in air passenger and cargo markets in the coming months," Menon said. "Nevertheless, supply chain constraints and higher operating costs remain a concern, while geopolitical tensions continue to cloud the outlook of the industry."

"Against this background, the region's carriers remain focused on improving operational efficiency and growing sustainably while upkeeping safety standards," the AAPA chief added.