Asia region carriers posted 5.6% FTK growth despite tariff pressures, supported by supply chain shifts and e-commerce demand across the region
Asia Pacific airlines achieved a strong air cargo demand increase in 2025 due to healthy economic growth and supply chain shifts that benefited the region.
Asia Pacific airlines recorded a 5.6% year-on-year increase in international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), shows preliminary traffic figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).
This growth was against a challenging operating environment with the introduction of tariffs on Asian and major global economies, but air cargo markets benefited from the rapid adaptation of global supply chains.
Continued expansion in bellyhold space contributed to a 6.8% increase in offered freight capacity. However, there was a 0.7 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 60.3% for the year.
Subhas Menon, AAPA director general, said: "The region’s carriers demonstrated agility in responding to changes in trade policies and market dynamics, while benefiting from continued growth in e-commerce demand and intermediate goods flows from manufacturing hubs across the region."
Looking ahead, Menon added: “The broader outlook for air travel remains positive in 2026, supported by steady economic growth and continued network expansion. Air cargo demand is also expected to continue growing, but may be weighed down by trade tensions in the global economy.
“At the same time, Asian airlines continue to face inflationary pressures on operating costs, partly reflecting ongoing supply chain disruptions. Overall, Asia Pacific airlines remain focused on active cost management, investments in digital capabilities, and network adjustments in response to market changes, as they navigate ongoing uncertainties while delivering sustainable, long-term growth.”
Asia Pacific carriers achieved a 13.9% year-on-year increase in international air cargo demand in 2024 and a 10% rise in cargo revenue.
