October 2016 saw airports in both Asia-Pacific and Middle East continue a strong airfreight performance with cargo throughput increases of +10.2% and +11.5% respectively.
The airfreight surge came “despite global trade growth remaining weak” according to Airports Council International Asia-Pacific's latest monthly report.
It stated: “In Asia-Pacific, the surge in volume in October was contributed in part by the strengthening of international freight market. In addition, the gaining popularity of e-commerce in the region may have given further stimulus to air freight as it plays an increasingly important role in the e-commerce chain.”
The top three freight hubs all delivered "robust" increases: Hong Kong (HKG) +7.1%, Shanghai Pudong (PVG) +11.3% and Seoul Incheon (ICN) +10.6%.
The report added: “Middle East also appeared to be gathering momentum going into the fourth quarter, air freight volumes in October at all major hubs reported substantial gains: Dubai (DXB) +9.5%, Doha (DOH) +21.5%, and Abu Dhabi (AUH) +6.7%.”
