An increase in e-commerce and express shipments has contributed to Cathay Pacific’s strong cargo traffic figures for March 2024, the airline has reported.

Lavinia Lau, chief customer and commercial officer for Cathay Pacific, said: “Cargo demand was stronger in March, with our tonnage up by 26% compared with the previous month and up by 11% compared to March 2023.

“Cargo demand out of Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland picked up quickly after factories re-opened following the Chinese New Year holidays, and we observed an increase in e-commerce and express shipments due to the end-of-quarter rush.”

Looking ahead to the Chinese Mainland’s forthcoming Labour Day ‘Golden Week’ holiday period, the airline says it expects e-commerce demand to remain strong and for overall air cargo demand to be stable on long-haul routes.