HIGHER demand for consumer and intermediate goods made for continued momentum in air cargo, said the Association of asia Pacific Airlines (PA) in its preliminary April 2024 traffic figures, reports London's Air Cargo New.
According to PA's figures, published on May 28, international freight tonne kilometres (FTK), were up 13.7 per cent year on year in April. However, offered freight capacity expanded by 14.4 per cent, giving a marginal 0.4 percentage point decline in the average load factor, to 59.9 per cent.
April's increase builds on the 10.2 per cent increase in cargo FTKs seen in February, which came on the back of a reinvigorated manufacturing sector and continued e-commerce growth. However, the growth in available capacity in April has moderated from the 20.8 per cent surge seen in February.
PA director general, Subhas Menon, said: 'Asia Pacific airlines posted an encouraging 15 per cent year-on-year increase in air cargo traffic volumes, with the pick-up in global demand supporting export activity from major manufacturing hubs located in the region, in particular, China.'
Mr Menon added: 'Looking ahead, positive business and consumer confidence levels are likely to support continued growth in cargo and air passenger markets in the coming months.
'Nevertheless, supply chain constraints and higher operating costs remain a concern, while geopolitical tensions continue to cloud the outlook of the industry. Against this background, the region's carriers remain focused on improving operational efficiency and growing sustainably.'
SeaNews Turkey
According to PA's figures, published on May 28, international freight tonne kilometres (FTK), were up 13.7 per cent year on year in April. However, offered freight capacity expanded by 14.4 per cent, giving a marginal 0.4 percentage point decline in the average load factor, to 59.9 per cent.
April's increase builds on the 10.2 per cent increase in cargo FTKs seen in February, which came on the back of a reinvigorated manufacturing sector and continued e-commerce growth. However, the growth in available capacity in April has moderated from the 20.8 per cent surge seen in February.
PA director general, Subhas Menon, said: 'Asia Pacific airlines posted an encouraging 15 per cent year-on-year increase in air cargo traffic volumes, with the pick-up in global demand supporting export activity from major manufacturing hubs located in the region, in particular, China.'
Mr Menon added: 'Looking ahead, positive business and consumer confidence levels are likely to support continued growth in cargo and air passenger markets in the coming months.
'Nevertheless, supply chain constraints and higher operating costs remain a concern, while geopolitical tensions continue to cloud the outlook of the industry. Against this background, the region's carriers remain focused on improving operational efficiency and growing sustainably.'
SeaNews Turkey
