Technology and pharma served to boost Cathay Cargo’s airfreight volumes in May, with the business reporting “robust demand on key trade lanes”.
Cathay Cargo carried over 150,000 tonnes of cargo during May, an 11% increase year on year.
The cargo division of Cathay Pacific also reported that Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 6%.
In the first five months of 2026, the total tonnage increased by 8% compared with the same period for 2025.
Cathay chief customer and commercial officer Lavinia Lau said: “Our cargo business continued to perform well in May, with year-on-year growth underpinned by robust demand on key trade lanes, particularly between the Chinese Mainland and Southeast Asia.
“In terms of our specialist solutions, Cathay Expert was boosted by semiconductor and server shipments within Asia and to the Americas, while pharmaceutical exports from Europe to the Chinese Mainland drove growth in our Cathay Pharma solution.
“Turning to June, we expect air cargo demand to remain resilient, and we will continue to monitor market developments closely.”
Lau added: “We were also pleased to announce an order for two additional Airbus A350F freighter aircraft, bringing our total commitment to eight.
“Together with an additional leased Airbus A330P2F freighter to be operated by Air Hong Kong, Cathay Cargo will continue to invest and strengthen Hong Kong’s status as a world-leading international air cargo hub.”
