Cathay Cargo delivered a strong performance during the first half of the year, reporting significant increases in both cargo volumes and revenue as growing demand for high-value technology products and AI-related shipments continued to strengthen the global air freight market.
The airline transported 869,000 tonnes of cargo, representing an 8.5% year-on-year increase, while cargo revenue climbed 23.9% to HK$13.8 billion. Improved freight rates and higher fuel surcharges contributed to an 18.1% increase in cargo yield, while the cargo load factor edged up to 59.2%, reflecting efficient utilisation of available capacity.
According to Cathay Pacific Chairman Guy Bradley, sustained demand for cargo services across key trade lanes played a major role in the airline’s strong results. Shipments supporting the rapidly expanding data centre industry and artificial intelligence sector were among the key contributors to growth.
To meet increasing customer demand, Cathay Cargo continued to optimise its network by working closely with customers and maintaining disciplined capacity management.
The airline also strengthened its cargo network during the reporting period. Freighter frequencies on transpacific routes were increased ahead of seasonal demand, while a dedicated weekly freighter service to Bangkok resumed in May, marking the return of scheduled freighter operations to the city after a decade.
Cathay Cargo is also preparing for the upcoming peak shipping season by adding additional freighter services on major trunk routes. Capacity will be further expanded through additional Airbus A330 freighter operations provided by Air Hong Kong.
Regional trade performance remained positive across several markets. Southeast Asia recorded strong export growth to the Americas, supported by demand for high-tech electronics and time-sensitive shipments. Export activity from mainland China also remained resilient, particularly on routes serving Europe and intra-Asia markets, driven by general cargo and electronics exports.
Meanwhile, cargo flows from South Asia, the Middle East and Africa into Southeast Asia remained stable, supported by pharmaceutical and general cargo shipments, although some Middle East freighter services remain temporarily suspended due to regional operational conditions.
With demand for technology products continuing to grow and additional freighter capacity planned, Cathay Cargo expects positive momentum to continue as the industry enters the second half of the year.
