Preliminary figures for the month of May released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed further gains in air cargo markets.
Air cargo demand, in freight tonne kilometre (FTK) terms, increased by 2.9 per cent, whilst offered freight capacity grew by 5.1 per cent, leading to a 1.4 percentage point decrease in the average international freight load factor to 63.5 per cent for the month.
Commenting on the results, Andrew Herdman, AAPA director general said: “International air cargo markets recorded further growth in May, albeit at a moderate pace compared to the preceding months when demand was boosted by congestion in US West Coast maritime ports. Overall, Asian airlines registered a 6.3 per cent increase in international air freight demand for the first five months of the year.”
Looking ahead, Herdman said, “Overall, air passenger markets are expected to maintain robust growth rates, with competitive fares making air travel very affordable. The demand environment for air cargo markets also remains positive, although the pace of expansion appears to be moderating. Asian carriers are continuing to strive for further operating efficiencies with an eye on improving overall profitability this year after some disappointing results in 2014.”