Airlines in Asia Pacific continued to record cargo growth in June, supported by ongoing front-loading and re-routing of shipments amid prevailing trade-related uncertainties.

Traffic figures released by the Kuala Lumpur-based Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed that international air cargo demand — measured in freight tonne-kilometers (FTK) — grew by 5.6% year-on-year in June.

June's 6.60 million tonnes of air freight transported during the month were also higher than the 6.42 million tonnes carried by airlines in the Asia Pacific region in May. In April, Asia Pacific airlines carried 6.24 million tonnes of cargo.

AAPA said the increase was supported by a "rebound in global manufacturing activity, notably in the consumer and intermediate goods segments."

 [Source: AAPA]

AAPA said that offered freight capacity increased by 7.1%, outpacing the rise in demand and resulting in a 0.8 percentage point decline in the international freight load factor, to an average of 62.1% for the month.

"During the first half of 2025 ... international air cargo demand recorded a relatively resilient 6% year-on-year growth," said Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General.

"Cargo volumes are also growing as demand for air freight services, particularly in the e-commerce and time-sensitive segments, is still very strong," he added.

Looking ahead, the AAPA chief noted that the widespread introduction of tariffs signals mounting inflation on the horizon.

"The moderation in business confidence is also a reflection of the growing concerns over the global economic outlook, with implications for both the air travel and cargo markets further ahead," he said.

"Asia Pacific carriers are alert to the cost pressures, while adapting to market conditions and seeking growth opportunities, both regionally and globally," Menon added.

In 2024, airlines in the Asia Pacific region recorded a 13.9% year-on-year growth in international air cargo demand last year, also driven by a surge in e-commerce and disruptions in maritime shipping.

Asia Pacific carriers also saw a 10% increase in cargo revenue for 2024.