THE Lunar New Year festive period helped boost January air cargo volumes for Asia Pacific carriers due to increased demand for consumer goods, reports London's Air Cargo News.

Preliminary January 2025 figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) show a 4.7 per cent year-on-year increase in international air cargo demand as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), adding to the double-digit growth recorded in January 2024.

This is despite growing uncertainties in the broader trade environment, said the AAPA.

Expansion in belly capacity, drove a 10.9 per cent year-on-year increase in offered freight capacity, while the average international freight load factor dipped 3.3 percentage points to 55.2 per cent for the month.

Commenting on the results, Subhas Menon, AAPA director general, said: "The year began on a positive note for Asia Pacific carriers, with both international air passenger and cargo markets posting encouraging growth, underpinned by- the timing of the Lunar New Year holidays."

But he indicated a cautious attitude towards future airfreight developments, adding: "Growth prospects remain promising in the coming months, against a backdrop of steady expansion in global economic activity.

"However, ongoing geopolitical and trade tensions pose potential risks to both business sentiment and consumer demand in the months ahead.

"The region's airlines are closely monitoring developments, whilst carefully managing costs to boost operating economics."