The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) says air cargo demand in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs) grew by 2.5 per cent for carriers in Asia Pacific in August.

AAPA notes average international freight load factor edged marginally higher by 0.1 percentage points to 60.5 per cent in the month, on a 2.3 per cent increase in available freight capacity.

AAPA director general, Andrew Herdman says global freight markets remained subdued, noting: “Asia Pacific airlines saw generally lacklustre international air cargo demand for the January-August period, registering a 0.7 per cent volume decline compared to the same period last year, although the shortfall has narrowed following a modest uptick in recent months.”

Looking ahead, Herdman adds: “For the air cargo markets, the persistent weakness in global trade conditions remains a concern, with rates remaining depressed despite the recent uptick in air cargo activity.”