Cathay Pacific prepares for a muted peak season

Cathay Pacific has added cargo capacity and has been in close dialogue with suppliers as it prepares for what is expected to be a muted peak season.

The Hong Kong-based airline said it has been adding extra passenger flights, cargo-only capacity and has ramped up freighter operations ahead of the peak.

General manager cargo service delivery Frosti Lau said, “We have already increased frequency to the US, and we are now operating daily to London Heathrow.

“Our freighters are operating a full schedule, supported by cargo-only passenger operations focused on regional destinations.

“This extra capacity will help as we prepare for a busy peak, although we are anticipating it may not be as sustained and pronounced as last year’s.”

Lau explained that inflation, supply chain disruption and Covid-19 restrictions in China continue to affect consumer demand and production capabilities.

On the other hand, the rumors of high-tech product launches later in the year may help stimulate demand.

Lau said that the airline has also been working closely with suppliers to prepare for the peak season.

“As flights are being adjusted, we are working with our suppliers in outports to ensure that they are ready to handle our flights smoothly and to avoid some of the disruption we have seen post-pandemic,” Lau said.

“Our teams across Europe, in particular, have done a fantastic job in preparing for our return.”

Last week, Air Cargo News reported that the market remains flat as the industry heads towards the traditional peak season.

Flexport said that demand from north China was low and the overall market is stable.

“[From south China] the market demand remains soft for both the transpacific eastbound and Far East-Europe westbound (FEWB) lanes and rates are stable,” the forwarder added.