Preliminary traffic figures for the month of September released today by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) show international air cargo markets continued to enjoy double-digit growth in traffic volumes.

International air cargo demand, in freight tonne kilometres (FTK) increased by a 11.4 per cent compared to the same month last year, reflecting the on-going pick-up in global trade across major advanced and emerging market economies.

Offered freight capacity grew by 5.7 per cent, resulting in a 3.4 percentage point rise in the average international freight load factor to 66 per cent for the month.

AAPA director general, Andrew Herdman says: “The global economy is in pretty good shape, with encouraging growth in both international air passenger and cargo demand seen this year.”

In the first nine months of 2017, Asia Pacific airlines recorded a 10.7 per cent increase in international air cargo traffic volumes.

Herdman added: “The impressive growth seen in both international air travel and air cargo demand this year provides an encouraging backdrop as Asia Pacific airline leaders are gathering this week in Taipei for the 61st AAPA Assembly of Presidents meeting, where topics to be discussed include the state of the industry, future growth opportunities and various regulatory challenges.”