A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) announced that the air freight market in the Asia Pacific region maintained robust performance through May, driven by sustained demand and increasing capacity. This resilience comes despite a cautious global economic outlook, highlighting the critical role of air cargo in global supply chains.
Global air cargo volumes saw a significant 4.3% year-on-year increase in March, with the Asia Pacific region serving as the primary engine for this growth. Capacity across the sector expanded by a healthy 7% in April, leading to improved load factors, particularly on key Asia–Europe and trans-Pacific routes.
“The consistency in demand and our proactive capacity management have allowed us to navigate a complex global economic landscape effectively,” said Maersk. “We are seeing strong performance, especially out of Asia Pacific, which underscores the enduring need for efficient and reliable air freight solutions.”
Despite broader economic sentiment characterized by softening export orders and a modest global GDP growth forecast of 2.3%, the air freight sector has successfully maintained its momentum. Stable rates and broad space availability have been instrumental in enabling customers to plan their logistics more effectively. However, recent U.S. tariff adjustments have introduced new complexities, prompting some shippers to reassess their trade flows in response to evolving customs regulations.
Maersk is actively addressing these market dynamics by scaling capacity to meet ongoing demand and collaborating closely with partners to optimize uplift on high-demand lanes. The company is also providing dedicated support to customers impacted by regulatory changes, particularly those routing goods into North America, offering tailored guidance on routing options, customs planning, and space prioritization.
Looking ahead, Maersk anticipates that market demand will remain firm into early Q3. The company will continue to closely monitor developments, especially potential further policy shifts, and adjust its comprehensive air solutions to ensure agility and continued support for its global customer base.
