ANA Holdings Inc. (ANA HD) saw year-over-year growth in international cargo volumes in September, fueled by strong demand on Asia–North America routes.
"The international cargo sector increased freight carried year-over-year by capturing cargo originating from Asia to North America. However, revenue declined due to foreign exchange fluctuations, decreased automotive related demand and decreased e-commerce demand," ANA said, referring to volume transported by ANA Cargo, its dedicated air freight division.
It noted that ANA also maintained profitability by closely monitoring demand, strategically adjusting freighter routes and capacity, and continuing operation of charter flights for other airlines, primarily on North American routes.
For Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), which joined the ANA Group in August, it saw reduced demand for China-North America cargo, via Japan, due to the U.S. tariff policy.
However, ANA noted that NCA strengthened efforts to capture cargo, including AI server-related shipments, from Asia to North America.
Additionally, the Narita-Frankfurt route launched in September. Going forward, ANA and NCA will optimize the combined cargo flight networks to expand revenue opportunities.
"International cargo freight carried exceeded prior-year levels, driven by strong demand for Asia-North America bound shipments," ANA announced, adding that NCA is also creating synergy effect with ANA and launched the Narita-Frankfurt route in September.
ANA said it will optimize ANA Cargo and NCA's freight flight networks to improve operational efficiency and expand service capacity.
Meanwhile, the ANA Group revised its full-year consolidated forecast upward, reflecting NCA's consolidation and market conditions.
It said that operating revenue is forecast at 2,480.0 billion yen (approximately US$16.4 billion), operating profit at 200.0 billion yen (US$1.32 billion), and net profit attributable to owners of the parent at 145.0 billion yen (US$956 million).
This operating profit of 200.0 billion yen marks the second-highest profit level in the company's history. ANA HD said it is committed to achieving these revised annual targets and pursuing sustainable growth.
"By steadily capturing strong passenger demand, sales revenue reached a record high for the first hal," said Kimihiro Nakahori, executive vice president and group chief financial officer. "Profit levels also exceeded our initial plan, due in part to the consolidation of Nippon Cargo Airlines."
"Based on these results, we have revised our full-year earnings forecast upward. Additionally, we aim for further upside, primarily in our airline business , as we plan to announce our next mid-term management strategy in the fourth quarter," he added.
