Preliminary traffic figures for the full calendar year 2025 released today by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed robust growth in both international air passenger and cargo markets, underpinned by resilient economic conditions and healthy travel demand, even as trade and geopolitical uncertainties remained elevated.
Against a challenging operating environment with the introduction of tariffs on Asian and major global economies, air cargo markets benefited from the rapid adaptation of global supply chains.
As a result, Asia Pacific airlines recorded a 5.6% increase in international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), in 2025.
Continued expansion in belly-hold space contributed to a 6.8% increase in offered freight capacity, leading to a 0.7 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 60.3% for the year.
Commenting on the results, Mr. Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General, said: “Asia Pacific airlines recorded a 5.6% increase in international air cargo demand in 2025, building on the strong 14.9% growth achieved in 2024.
“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, Mr. 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.”
