Cathay Cargo carried more than 150,000 tonnes of cargo in September 2026, marking a 14% increase compared with the same month last year, supported by resilient air freight demand from the Chinese Mainland and Southeast Asia.

Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs), a measure of cargo capacity, increased by 5% year-on-year in September. For the first nine months of 2026, total cargo tonnage rose by 9% compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

According to Lavinia Lau, Cathay’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, cargo demand remained resilient during September, traditionally a quieter period ahead of the year-end peak season.

Demand for Cathay Cargo’s specialist solutions also remained strong. Cathay Priority maintained its momentum, supported by time-critical shipments from Southeast Asia, while continued semiconductor flows underpinned strong demand for Cathay Expert.

Looking ahead, Cathay Cargo expects demand to strengthen further as the industry approaches the traditional year-end air cargo peak season, supported by a positive market outlook for the fourth quarter.

During September, Cathay Cargo was also named ATW’s Cargo Operator of the Year, recognising its performance in the air cargo sector.