Export orders continue to boost air cargo shipments across the Asia Pacific region, with 10 per cent growth in June, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reports.
Cargo demand measures in freight tonne kilometres (FTK) was up 10 per cent to 5.8 billion helped by high export orders in both emerging markets and advanced economies.
FTKs were also up 10.4 per cent on a year-to-date basis between January and June to 33.7 billion.
AAPA director general, Andrew Herdman says: “Global trade activity has picked up markedly since the middle of last year, with air freight volumes growing at a robust pace.”
“Overall, Asian airlines reported a 10.4% increase in international air cargo traffic volumes during the first half of 2017, supported by an upswing in export orders for both the leading emerging markets and advanced economies.”
Capacity measures in available tonne kilometres were up 4.8 per cent in June to 8.8 billion and by 3.8 per cent year-to-date to 52.7 billion.
The freight load factor was up 3.1 percentage points in June to 66.2 per cent and 3.8 percentage points to 64 per cent between January and June.
Herdman says the outlook is positive as the momentum in the global economy continues, saying: “Asian airlines remain vigilant on containing costs, with the aim of sustaining a positive earnings performance in a highly competitive market place.”
