International air cargo demand grew in June but at a moderate pace, in line with underlying trade conditions, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reports.

Freight tonne kilometres increased by 3.4 per cent to 6.1 billion, though capacity measured in available freight tonne kilometres grew at a faster rate, up 6.4 per cent to 9.5 billion, pushing load factors down 1.9 percentage points to 64.5 per cent.

In the first six months of the year, freight tonne kilometres were up 4.9 per cent to 35.2 billion and available freight tonne kilometres increased by seven per cent to 56.2 billion, with load factors decreasing by 1.2 percentage points to 62.6 per cent.

AAPA director general, Andrew Herdman says: “International air cargo demand registered an encouraging five per cent increase, bolstered by further expansion in the manufacturing sectors, although growth in new export orders has slowed in recent months.”

He adds: “Global economic prospects remain positive, anchored on expectations of firm domestic demand across regions, despite some concern over the possible adverse effects of trade tariffs.”