Cathay Group releases traffic for January: Cathay Pacific carried 11% more passengers in January 2026 compared with January 2025, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 14%. Cathay said the airline made a solid start to 2026 with momentum from the robust year-end travel peak sustaining into early January. Cathay Pacific and HK Express carried a combined total of more than 3.3 million passengers in January 2026, an 11% increase compared with January 2025. Meanwhile, Cathay Cargo carried over 130,000 tonnes of cargo during the month, marking a 5% increase year on year. Cathay Cargo carried 5% more cargo in January 2026 than in January 2025, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 3%. HK Express carried more than 710,000 passengers in January 2026, an increase of 8% year on year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) grew by 13%. The airline said: “In January, HK Express continued to record passenger growth supported by solid load factors on its South Korea and Thailand routes. Looking at February and March, bookings remain healthy on the back of strong growth in travel demand to the Chinese Mainland and Southeast Asia.”
Etihad Airways posts US$698 million profit in 2025: Etihad Airways reported its strongest full-year financial and operational performance on record, marking its fourth consecutive year of profitability. The result reflects a year of rapid network and fleet expansion, strong demand across global markets, and the airline’s ability to scale its operations while improving customer satisfaction. Etihad carried 22.4 million passengers, supported by a 21 per cent capacity increase year-on-year, with available seat kilometres (ASK) reaching 111.5 billion. Demand remained strong across the network, with the passenger load factor rising to 88.3 per cent (+2pp year-on-year), demonstrating the execution capability of Etihad’s teams. This growth translated into a strong revenue performance, with total revenue increasing by 21 per cent year-on-year to AED 30.7 billion (U.S. $ 8.4 billion), driven by expansion across both passenger and cargo businesses. Passenger revenue rose by 24 per cent year-on-year to AED 25.8 billion (U.S. $ 7.0 billion), reflecting increased capacity, sustained demand, improved load factor and stronger yields. Cargo revenue increased by 8 per cent to AED 4.5 billion (U.S. $ 1.2 billion), supported by higher capacity and volumes, with cargo volumes rising 9 per cent to more than 700 thousand leg tonnes. Growth in the passenger fleet also supported cargo performance through increased belly-hold capacity, reinforcing Etihad’s integrated passenger and cargo operating model. As a result of this expanded capacity and its joint venture with SF Express, Etihad became the largest cargo operator between mainland China and the Middle East, operating over 100 monthly cargo services. Operating performance strengthened further, with EBITDA increasing by 37 per cent year-on-year to AED 6.3 billion (U.S. $ 1.7 billion), translating into an EBITDA margin of 20 per cent (+2pp year-on-year). The strong operating performance and unit cost discipline resulted in a profit after tax of AED 2.6 billion (U.S. $ 698 million), up 47 per cent year-on-year, with profit margin improving to 8.4 per cent (+1.5pp year-on-year). This is equivalent to more than double the industry average net profit margin of 3.9 per cent, according to IATA’s December 2025 estimates.
Air Charter Service’s revenues grow to US$1.34 billion: With the company’s financial year closing on January 31st, the world’s largest aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service has announced turnover of US$ 1.34 billion, an increase of 10.3% on 2024’s figures, driven by 19.1% growth in private jet revenue. Chris Leach, Chairman at Air Charter Service, said: “We had an exceptionally pleasing 2025, with both charter numbers and revenue increasing across all divisions; cargo, private jets, group travel, leasing and time critical services. Our Cargo charter division saw a modest increase, with revenues up and growth year-on-year above the industry average, as well as flight numbers increasing. However, despite the backdrop of tariff uncertainty causing industry disruption for much of the year, our Time Critical division saw incredible growth, with revenue up by 76% and jobs increasing by 92%, with huge strides made in onboard courier (OBC) and next flight out (NFO) sales under the new leadership team. Of our three main divisions, private jets saw the largest revenue growth, with figures up 19.1% on 2024. This was fuelled by a number of strategies paying dividends, including the expansion of our Jet Card programme. Our helicopter business also saw great progress with a 44% jump in revenue over 2024’s figures. Our group charter division saw a healthy increase in turnover, with huge increase in charter numbers and 2025 represents our best ever year for the department. It was the year in which the team broke our longest flight record twice in a week – first from Dallas to Sydney, and then Perth to Los Angeles – and chartered the largest ever aircraft to land in Antarctica. Our ACMI & Leasing team saw the largest growth across all divisions however, with a 168% leap in turnover.
HK Express records 15% YoY pax traffic growth: During the Lunar New Year peak travel period, supported by the extended nine-day Spring Festival holiday in Chinese Mainland, HK Express Airways (HK Express) recorded a 15% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic growth, carrying over 280,000 passengers during the period. Passenger numbers from Chinese Mainland increased by more than 50% compared with the same period last year. The numbers of Hong Kong passengers increased by over 30%, reflecting sustained demand across the festive peak. 20 February was the busiest travel day of the period, with over 30,000 passengers carried – a new single-day record for HK Express. HK Express has continued to expand its Asian network in recent years, introducing exclusive routes to offer travellers unique and affordable travel experiences. During the Lunar New Year period, emerging destinations recorded strong year-on-year growth. Penang (118%), Jeju (83%) and Phu Quoc (65%) recorded the highest increases in passenger numbers compared with the same period last year. Passenger traffic on these routes is expected to continue building steadily over the course of the year. In addition to these destinations, South Korea remained one of the strongest-performing markets in the network, with Seoul among the most popular routes. To meet peak travel demand, HK Express increased frequencies to popular destinations including Seoul, Busan, Bangkok and Taichung, deploying capacity in line with demand.
Etihad Cargo delivers strong 2025 performance: Etihad Cargo, the logistics arm of Etihad Airways, delivered strong performance in 2025, increasing revenue by 8% year-on-year while transporting 703,000 leg tonnes, marking a 9% rise in volumes. The results reflect sustained demand across key trade lanes and the continued strength of its specialised product portfolio. Significant growth was recorded across core verticals. FlyCulture increased by 89%, driven by the transportation of artwork, cultural heritage and museum exhibitions. LiveAnimals grew 121% year-on-year, supported by specialised handling expertise. PharmaLife expanded by 22% as enhanced team capability strengthened temperature-controlled pharmaceutical transport. FlightValet saw a 174% increase following product enhancements for luxury vehicle customers. Operational performance remained strong throughout the year. Etihad Cargo achieved a Delivered As Promised (DAP) rate of 88% alongside an On-Time Performance (OTP) of 81%, underscoring its commitment to reliability and service excellence across its global network. To meet rising demand, the carrier expanded freighter services across key global hubs, including Shenzhen, Ezhou, Hong Kong, Riyadh, Paris, and Frankfurt, alongside new deployments from Phnom Penh and East Midlands. The carrier also strengthened its fleet by securing dedicated Boeing 777 freighter capacity operated by Atlas Air, enhancing connectivity between Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and Madrid, and bringing Etihad Cargo’s total freighter fleet to six aircraft.
TCE signs strategic TCM agreement with SkyUp Airlines: TCE, part of Aerion, has signed a strategic Total Cargo Management (TCM) agreement with SkyUp Airlines, appointing ECS Group and Global GSA Group, as its subcontracted sales partners. The partnership leverages group synergies to create an integrated cargo platform designed to maximize network performance and commercial agility. Effective 5 January 2026, the agreement places SkyUp Airlines’ cargo operations under a flexible, optimization-driven TCM model aligned with the airline’s evolving network strategy. The partnership prioritizes dynamic demand capture over fixed capacity commitments, with Chișinău (RMO), Moldova, serving as the central hub for cargo activities across Europe and neighbouring regions. The TCM model supports a comprehensive portfolio of products, including General Cargo, Dangerous Goods (DGR), Perishables (PER), Live Animals (AVI), Mail, and E-commerce, enabling SkyUp Airlines to address both high-yield and time-critical market segments. Coordination is led by Globe Air Cargo Ukraine on behalf of ECS Group, with technical support from TCE Germany, while SkyUp Airlines retains operational control at RMO. SkyUp Airlines’ cargo network spans Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Israel, France, Poland, Montenegro, Albania, and Moldova. Commercial representation is delivered through Global GSA Group and ECS Group subsidiaries, ensuring consistent local execution supported by a unified strategic direction across all markets.
Jettainer extends partnership with CMA CGM AIR CARGO: Jettainer will continue to support CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s growth as its long-term ULD management partner. The contract concluded in 2022 has now been extended early for the long term due to additional requirements resulting from planned fleet expansion. In the coming years, Jettainer will continue to provide comprehensive ULD management, including maintenance and repair services in order to efficiently supply the airline with the required ULDs at all times. Jettainer meets CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s demand with a tailor-made ULD fleet, always catering to the airline’s growing needs. Cutting-edge steering technologies are used to move all units as efficiently and sustainably as possible, to track them seamlessly and to provide the customer with comprehensive and transparent data on all ULDs in the network at all times via its unique IT solution JettwareNG. Launched in March 2021, CMA CGM AIR CARGO marks a significant step in implementing the CMA CGM Group’s strategy to offer comprehensive maritime, land, air, and logistics solutions. This integrated approach enables the Group to provide tailor-made multimodal solutions to its customers, including last-mile delivery. Today, CMA CGM Group operates an air cargo fleet of 8 aircraft: five Boeing 777Fs, one Airbus A330Fs, and two Boeing 747Fs. The fleet will soon further expanded from 2027 onward with the arrival of eight Airbus A350Fs.These aircraft operate from strategic hubs in France, the United States, and Belgium, ensuring optimal connectivity across key global air cargo routes.
SIA reports quarterly earnings: Singapore Airlines has reported a record quarterly revenue of $5.51 billion for 3QFY2026, an increase of 5.5% over the year-earlier period. Earnings for the same quarter, at $505 million, was down 68.9% as the year-earlier quarter was distorted by a one-off accounting gain of $1.1 billion. For the nine months ended Dec 31 2025, revenue was up 3.2% to $15.2 billion and earnings down 68.6% to $743 million. In the quarter, SIA, as a group, carried 10.9 million passengers, up 6.3% y-o-y. Passenger load factor was up 0.3 percentage points to 87.5%, as traffic grew 3.2% on the back of a 2.8% capacity expansion. Passenger yields rose 1.9% to 10.9 cents per revenue passenger-kilometre. Cargo revenue was down 5.4% to $581 million, driven by a 6.2% decline in yields. The company incurred higher costs for both fuel and non-fuel. For the quarter, its operating profit was $792 million, up 25.9%. SIA sees ‘healthy” demand for air travel heading into the last quarter of FY2025/26, supported by seasonal travel. “The Group is well positioned to capture this demand, and will remain nimble and agile in its network and capacity deployment to maximise revenue opportunities,” says SIA.
Christchurch Airport delivers double-digit revenue growth in 1H: Christchurch Airport has delivered an outstanding first-half result for FY26, with solid revenue and profit growth driven by expanded air services and continued momentum across the airport’s commercial and property businesses. The airport reported: $132.9 million – Total revenue (up 10.0%); $29.5 million – Net profit after tax (up 24.2%); $24.1 million – Interim dividend (up 13%); 3.4 million – Total passengers (up 7.2%); 15.2% – International passenger growth; 4.8% – Domestic passenger growth; 99.2% – Property portfolio occupancy. For the six months ended 31 December 2025, total revenue reached $132.9 million, up 10.0 percent on the same period last year. Net profit after tax increased 24.2 percent to $29.5 million, building on the progress made in FY25 and reflecting growing activity right across the airport and wider campus. “This is a really pleasing first-half result and it shows the strength of demand for travel and the energy we’re seeing across the business,” said Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson. “Passenger numbers are up, our commercial areas are performing well, and our campus continues to attract businesses that want to grow alongside us.” Passenger numbers rose 7.2 percent to 3.40 million during the period. Domestic travel increased by 4.8 percent, while international passengers jumped 15.2 percent compared with the same period last year. The airport’s property portfolio continued to perform strongly, with occupancy at 99.2 percent, reflecting the quality of the campus and the mix of businesses choosing to locate there. New facilities were completed for DHL and Enatel, alongside delivery of the first stage of a freight apron expansion. When completed, the expansion will add an area equivalent to six rugby fields, helping future-proof air freight services for the South Island and supporting exporters and importers well into the future.
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