Advance loading of shipments and the rerouting of goods to alternative gateways supported air cargo demand growth for Asia Pacific airlines in April, although trade conditions are problematic, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has said.
Preliminary April 2025 traffic figures released by the AAPA show international air cargo demand handled by airlines based in the region, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), grew by 4.9% year-on-year, slightly outpacing the 4.2% rise in offered freight capacity.
Consequently, the international freight load factor edged 0.4 percentage points higher to 61.5% compared to the same month last year, said the association.
This was despite increased challenges faced by the global manufacturing sector amid uncertainties over tariff disputes, alongside a downward revision of the global GDP growth forecast to 2.8% for the year.
Subhas Menon, AAPA director general, said that "international air cargo demand recorded a 5% increase during the first four months of the year, even as consumers and businesses faced heightened uncertainty due to tariff disputes. This environment contributed to advance purchases and stockpiling activity in anticipation of potential cost increases".
Looking ahead, Menon said: “The trade disputes and softening macroeconomic conditions may signal challenging times for air travel and cargo markets in the months ahead. This will place further strain on already thin profit margins in the airline industry. Overall, the region’s carriers remain vigilant, actively monitoring market developments and ready to adapt swiftly to evolving conditions.”
IATA has also reported that global air cargo demand rose by 5.8% year on year, aided by seasonal demand, front loading of shipments to avoid tariffs and lower fuel prices.
