SUPPLEMENT
Incheon’s forecast
is upbeat, driven by continued demand for
high-value Korean exports such as semiconductors, automotive parts and e-commerce shipments. Expansion works are expected to further increase cargo throughput capacity. Digitalisation of freight processes is another growth enabler.
Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT), Japan Narita Airport is Japan’s premier air cargo gateway, handling around 2.1 million tonnes of cargo in recent global
rankings. Narita’s
cargo traffic has been resilient, with volumes focused on precision equipment, automotive parts and electronics for export. Though generally lower than the mega-hubs like HKG and PVG, NRT remains vital as Japan’s logistics backbone. Japan’s high-technology export base and diversification of Asian
supply chains support steady cargo demand. Future growth prospects also hinge on improving air logistics linkages with Southeast Asia and North America, and adopting digital customs procedures.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), USA While not geographically in East Asia, Los Angeles International Airport is one of the Pacific Rim’s most critical gateways, linking Asia-Pacific production centres to North American markets. LAX handled around 2.9 million tonnes of cargo in 2024. LAX has experienced consistent cargo traffic increases over the past decade, driven by retail imports, skin-to-skin express freight and perishables traffic. Pandemic–post-pandemic adjustments saw fluctuations, but volumes remain ahead of most global airports outside Asia. Growth at LAX is linked closely to North American consumption
and Pacific trade lanes. Investments in cargo infrastructure, digital logistics corridors and multimodal connections (rail, influence future throughput.
road) will
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), USA Anchorage does not serve a major local population but remains one of the world’s busiest cargo airports due to its strategic mid-point location on Asia–North America routes. In 2024 it handled about 3.7 million tonnes, comparable with other top hubs. ANC’s historical role as a fuel and crew stop for trans-pacific flights has evolved into full freight staging and handling capacity. Its cargo activity was more resilient during pandemic-related travel downturns than some passenger-centric hubs. As direct long-haul flights become more common, ANC’s
intermediate role may shift, but its abundant space, 24/7 operations and lower congestion make it attractive for certain categories of freight, especially oversized cargo and specialised consignments.
Looking ahead Regional cargo forecasts and strategic imperatives show air cargo volumes globally are expected to grow modestly through the rest of the decade, with a projected 3.3% CAGR from 2023 to 2042, according to ACI World forecasts, though growth will vary regionally and by commodity type. In the Asia-Pacific region, projections from ACI Asia-Pacific anticipate 4.3 % annual growth through 2028, underpinned by the region’s manufacturing base and expanding e-commerce logistics requirements.
Key trends to watch
E-commerce expansion: Greater cross-border online retail trade will continue to favour air freight, particularly premium and time-sensitive delivery.
Cold chain logistics: Pharmaceuticals and perishables are among the fastest-growing cargo segments, necessitating advanced handling infrastructure.
Digitalisation: End-to-end digital supply chain solutions will reduce delays and improve throughput.
Geopolitical dynamics: Trade tensions and tariff shifts can reroute supply chains, affecting cargo volumes at individual hubs.
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