International air cargo demand across Asia Pacific strengthened in January as airlines posted a 5.9% year‑on‑year increase in freight tonne kilometres, with volumes supported by firmer global manufacturing activity, steady demand for consumer and intermediate goods, and front‑loading ahead of Lunar New Year factory closures.

Traffic figures released by the Kuala Lumpur-based Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed international air cargo demand — measured in freight tonne-kilometers (FTK) — rose by 5.9% to 6.34 million compared to the 5.98 million tonnes recorded during the same month in 2025. 

Compred to December, international air cargo demand was slightly lower than the 6.9 million tonnes during the last month of last year.

Offered freight capacity expanded by 4.9%, the average international freight load factor edged 0.5 percentage points higher to 56.1%.

AAPA said global manufacturing activity strengthened at the start of 2026. Firm demand for consumer and intermediate goods supported air cargo volumes, alongside front-loading activity ahead of factory closures during the festive period.

Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General, said the year began on a positive footing for Asian carriers, with cargo markets maintaining growth momentum into 2026, building on gains achieved last year.

"Continued global demand for goods produced in Asia, partly reflecting shifts in global supply chains, has supported air cargo activity," Menon said.

Looking ahead, Menon said the outlook is positive overall, but airlines still face uncertainty, rising costs, and tougher competition.

"The overall picture for the year ahead looks broadly positive, with underlying global economic conditions relatively firm," the AAPA chief added. 

"Nevertheless, geopolitical and trade developments continue to pose uncertainty. At the same time, airlines face intensifying competition and persistently high costs, and are carefully managing expenses to preserve profitability," he added.