Cathay Cargo recorded a 14.2% year-on-year increase in cargo volumes in September 2026, handling approximately 154,041 tonnes as demand remained resilient across key Asian markets.
According to the Cathay Group’s latest traffic figures released on October 22, the Hong Kong-based carrier transported around 154,000 tonnes of cargo during the month, compared with the same period last year. Cargo capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometres (AFTKs), increased by 5.3%, while revenue freight tonne kilometres rose by 8.6%.
The stronger growth in cargo carried compared with available capacity reflects sustained demand for air freight services. The cargo load factor improved by 1.8 percentage points to 58.9% during September.
Demand from mainland China and Southeast Asia continued to support the airline’s performance. Cathay Priority recorded momentum from time-sensitive shipments originating in Southeast Asia, while semiconductor traffic supported demand for Cathay Expert, the carrier’s specialist solution for high-tech cargo.
For the first nine months of 2026, Cathay Cargo handled approximately 1.32 million tonnes, representing an 8.9% increase year on year. Available freight capacity grew by 3.3% during the period, while revenue freight tonne kilometres increased by 4.7%.
The carrier expects cargo demand to strengthen further as the industry approaches the traditional year-end peak season. High-tech product launches and continued demand for time-critical shipments are expected to support volumes in the coming months.
The September performance highlights the resilience of air freight demand across Cathay Cargo’s key markets and reinforces Hong Kong’s role as a major international aviation and cargo hub.