Political rhetoric has failed to dampen consumer confidence in Asia Pacific with cargo demand increasing five per cent in July, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) says.

Freight tonne kilometres (FTK) were up five per cent in July to 6.3 billion, while capacity in freight available tonne kilometres (FATK) increased by 5.9 per cent, with load factors going down 0.5 percentage points to 64.4 per cent.

Between January and July, FTKs were up 5.1 per cent to 41.5 billion, FATK by 66.1 billion and load factors were down 1.2 percentage points to 62.8 per cent.

Looking ahead, AAPA director general, Andrew Herdman says: “For the upcoming months, the global economic outlook remains positive, despite some concern that uncertainties over future trade policy could undermine business confidence internationally.

“On a more positive note, both the United States and China have announced expansionary fiscal measures, which should stimulate domestic demand in the advanced and emerging market economies, and hopefully mitigate any adverse impact from new tariff barriers.”