Cathay Cargo is poised to be flexible with its schedule, network and freighter fleet as it awaits global trade developments.
This approach to business is part of Cathay Cargo’s strategy to build resilience into its operations, said director cargo Tom Owen.
"In particular, we’re going to be looking very closely at our schedule, network optimisation and the deployment of our freighter fleet, as we don’t know how trade flows will evolve with the changing administration in the US and the other factors around the world that are currently impacting global trade,” he said.
"Flexibility and close attention to where we put our capacity will be key.”
The cargo arm of Cathay Pacific will also focus on better meeting its customers’ needs with its network and its continued integration with Hong Kong’s Greater Bay Area (GBA).
"The operations of the Dongguan terminal are very pleasing in terms of tonnage growth over 2024 and that will continue as we start to look at special solution imports to that key region, like the evolving opportunities in terms of perishables transit into the GBA via Zhuhai and ultimately Macao,” added Owen.
Cathay Cargo also plans on growing in Africa. More specifically, reveals Owen: "We’re looking at developing more business in southern Africa and to the north in Morocco.”
Business success in 2024 partly rested on e-commerce and special shipment solutions, including Cathay Expert and Cathay Courier.
This year, Cathay Cargo plans to enhance its perishables solution, Cathay Fresh, followed by Cathay Live Animal and Cathay DG.
The return of Brussels to the passenger network, alongside Miami last year, is also expected to help boost pharma volumes.
"The return of Brussels is significant as it reactivates the first Pharma.Aero pharma corridor to and from our home hub for us, while late last year, Cathay Cargo helped validate the pharma corridor between Hong Kong and Miami, which picks up shipments from the pharma manufacturing hub of Puerto Rico for distribution across Asia,” noted Owen.
