Air cargo demand turns a corner in Asia Pacific
Following 18 consecutive months in decline since March 2022, the region’s carriers recorded an upswing in international air cargo demand in September, with a 3.2% year-on-year growth as measured in freight tonne kilometres (ftk).
While the increase could in part be attributed to comparisons with depressed levels recorded last year, the start of the high demand season leading to the year-end festive period also contributed to this improvement. growth.
The international freight load factor fell by 3.3 percentage points to an average of 60.6% for the month, after accounting for an 8.8% year-on-year expansion in offered freight capacity.
Commenting on the results, Subhas Menon, Aapa’s director general said: “Air cargo demand turned positive for the first time in 2023 in September, which helped to moderate the decline for the year to date to 6.4%.” (cj)