Cathay Cargo recorded an 8% year-on-year increase in cargo carried during April 2026 compared to April 2025, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) rose by 7%. For the first four months of 2026, total cargo tonnage increased by 8% versus the same period last year.
Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer at Cathay Pacific, said cargo demand continued to show positive momentum despite softer volumes from Hong Kong into South Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Demand to the Americas remained strong, while inbound cargo traffic into Hong Kong was supported by healthy shipments from Southeast Asia, the Americas and Europe.
The airline’s specialist cargo solutions also delivered strong performance. Semiconductor shipments within Asia and technology-related exports from the Americas into Hong Kong contributed to growth in the Cathay Expert and Cathay Dangerous Goods segments. Meanwhile, Cathay Pharma recorded solid demand growth, particularly on routes from Europe to the Chinese Mainland.
Looking ahead, Cathay Cargo expects the positive trend to continue in May following the Golden Week holiday period. The company has also expanded its freighter operations with the addition of Bangkok to its freighter network, strengthening its cargo presence across Southeast Asia.
