AIR cargo demand growth slowed in November on the back of a drop in business orders, according to data produced by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (PA).
Cargo demand rose by just 0.1 per cent year on year in November compared with a 4.3 per cent rise over the first 11 months of the year.
Cargo load factors for the month were also lower than a year earlier, sliding to 65.2 per cent against 69 per cent in 2018 as capacity increased by six per cent, London's Air Cargo News reported.
Commenting on the results, PA director general Andrew Herdman said: 'The moderation in export activity with slowing business orders, contributed to the slowdown in air cargo growth for the month, although this was mitigated by higher volumes of e-commerce shipments going into the end-year festive season.
'Prospects remain relatively positive. Continued moderate growth in the global economy and lowered oil prices should support further expansion in air travel demand and air cargo markets in the coming year, although the recent deterioration in trade sentiment and uncertainties over the potential impact on consumer confidence levels present some downside risks.
'Overall, Asian airlines continue to exercise vigilance in monitoring any changes in market conditions, whilst seeking growth opportunities.'
Looking at individual airline performance, Cathay Pacific saw November cargo traffic decrease by 1.1 per cent year on year to 1.1 billion revenue freight tonne kilometres.
Air China and China Southern both recorded a two per cent increase while at SIA Cargo there was a three per cent decline.
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Cargo demand rose by just 0.1 per cent year on year in November compared with a 4.3 per cent rise over the first 11 months of the year.
Cargo load factors for the month were also lower than a year earlier, sliding to 65.2 per cent against 69 per cent in 2018 as capacity increased by six per cent, London's Air Cargo News reported.
Commenting on the results, PA director general Andrew Herdman said: 'The moderation in export activity with slowing business orders, contributed to the slowdown in air cargo growth for the month, although this was mitigated by higher volumes of e-commerce shipments going into the end-year festive season.
'Prospects remain relatively positive. Continued moderate growth in the global economy and lowered oil prices should support further expansion in air travel demand and air cargo markets in the coming year, although the recent deterioration in trade sentiment and uncertainties over the potential impact on consumer confidence levels present some downside risks.
'Overall, Asian airlines continue to exercise vigilance in monitoring any changes in market conditions, whilst seeking growth opportunities.'
Looking at individual airline performance, Cathay Pacific saw November cargo traffic decrease by 1.1 per cent year on year to 1.1 billion revenue freight tonne kilometres.
Air China and China Southern both recorded a two per cent increase while at SIA Cargo there was a three per cent decline.
WORLD SHIPPING