Year end 2017 cargo surge at Asia-Pacific and Middle East airport hubs

Airfreight tonnages at Asia-Pacific and Middle East airports grew 4.8% and 2.1% respectively in December according to regional airport body ACI Asia-Pacific.

Growth continued to be driven by "buoyant demand on exports, improved business confidence and growing e-commerce activities" in the Asia-Pacific region.

The top airports for cargo throughput increases were: Hong Kong (HKG) up 6.2%, Shanghai Pudong (PVG) at 1.7% and Seoul Incheon (ICN) with a 6.3% rise. However Dubai (DXB) in the Middle East reported a "minor contraction" of 0.5%.

For the full year 2017, airfreight in Asia-Pacific and Middle East grew by 8.5% and and 6.0% respectively.

Added ACI Asia-Pacific: "Among the top ten freight hubs in Asia-Pacific and Middle East combined, eight recorded growth of 7% or above for the year.

"With broad improvement in world trade conditions and improved business confidence, airfreight volume growth has been robust in 2017, though showing signs of moderation in the fourth quarter.

"Looking ahead, positive factors such as increasing cross-border e-commerce activities and the growing pharmaceuticals sector should provide optimism for airfreight going into the new year."

News/ Picture Source:http://www.aircargonews.net/news/airport/single-view/news/year-end-2017-cargo-surge-at-asia-pacific-and-middle-east-airport-hubs.html