The new year started with demand pretty much as forecast throughout January:

but one thing we can be sure of is that there is uncertainty ahead. This is led in particular by the new administration in the US and ambiguity around its implementation of tariffs and trade policies, which could go on to have an impact on manufacturing, consumer demand and air-cargo volumes. 

Air cargo is sensitive to economic changes that affect consumer confidence, but we have learned to be more resilient, responsive and agile, in how we respond with capacity to market fluctuations. While the news cycle from the US is hectic, we don’t know what we cannot know. We will continue to be guided by the conversations we have with our industry partners and customers, and we will work together to make the most of the challenges – and any opportunities – that may come our way. 

A new solution refresh – and a new focus on customers 

Staying in close touch with customers will become central to my new role as Head of Global Partnerships, and I am looking forward to meeting some of our biggest customers and helping to build on the excellent work done by the departing Chris Bowden and the team. I will move on from my old role of Head of Cargo Markets and Customer Solutions in March, where I’m very proud to have led the refresh of our special solutions. 

We believe that these higher yield solutions are a key differentiator for Cathay Cargo, and really reflect the quality of our brand. So far, we have seen revamps to Cathay Courier, Cathay Mail and Cathay Expert, followed this month by Cathay Fresh, which is designed for temperature-sensitive produce of all kinds. This is the solution that enables consumers around the world to enjoy meat, seafood, vegetables, fruit and flowers at their peak, thanks to our frequency, network and professional handling. 

Read more: Cathay Fresh – the freshest gateway in and out of Asia 

Behind the scenes on our live animal expertise

The refresh programme continues this year, with Cathay Live Animal next in line for a revamp. If proof were needed about the quality of Cathay Live Animal, it was demonstrated this month. We are proud to have been the official airline partner of the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show: we flew in around 70 sports horses for the show, split between a freighter charter from Liège in Belgium, and a scheduled flight from London. Cathay Live Animal and the smart contingency planning enabled us to keep the show on track.

Read more: The horse charter that enabled the Hong Kong International Horse Show

A warm welcome to the Year of the Snake

It was a pleasure to meet many of our Hong Kong customers and industry partners at our annual Kung Hei Fat Choy party earlier this month, to celebrate the start of the Year of the Snake. It was a colourful and enjoyable evening, and an ideal opportunity to thank everyone in person for their support over the past year, and for the year to come – whatever the challenges.

Read more: Cathay Cargo welcomes in the Lunar New Year in Hong Kong