Airlines in Asia Pacific are forging ahead with strong with cargo growing 10.9 per cent in July, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reports.

Freight tonne kilometres were up 10.9 per cent in July to 6.2 billion, with capacity growing at 4.4 per cent to 9.5 billion, with load factors improving by 3.8 percentage points to 66 per cent.

Growth was also strong on a year-to-date basis, with 10.4 per cent growth between January and July to 40 billion, with capacity increasing 3.9 per cent to 62.2 billion, and load factors increasing 3.8 percentage points to 64.3 per cent.

AAPA director general, Andrew Herdman says: “Air cargo markets experienced a firm 10.4% increase in volumes during the January – July period, on the back of positive global business conditions. Further expansion in manufacturing output and new business orders helped boost air shipment volumes of both intermediate and finished goods.”

Herdman says the outlook is positive for both the passenger and air cargo market, though adds: “Given the highly competitive market conditions, Asia Pacific airlines are focusing on carefully managing costs whilst at the same time looking for new revenue opportunities to support future growth and maintain profitability.”