Memphis Airport surpasses Hong Kong in 2020 cargo throughput

FedEx’s Memphis International Airport (MEM) hub has dethroned Hong Kong International (HKG), the longtime largest cargo airport, in terms of 2020 cargo throughput, thanks to MEM's reliance on dedicated freighters. [caption id="attachment_415537" align="alignright" width="496"] Deicing teams hard at work for FedEx at its Memphis hub. Photo/Memphis Airport[/caption] MEM’s cargo handle in 2020 increased to 4.61 million tonnes in 2020, according to preliminary figures released by Airports Council International during a webinar this week. The 2020 figures represent a 6.7% increase in throughput from 2019 at MEM. Hubs that typically see substantial cargo volumes moving in the bellies of passenger aircraft, like HKG, were at a disadvantage while passenger traffic remains low, according to ACI. ACI’s current forecast does not expect international passenger traffic to recover to 2019 levels until 2024. FedEx has not yet released its full 2020 calendar year results, but in its FY2021 Q2 earnings report through Nov. 30, the express operator reported that average daily package volumes in its Express unit increased by 8% for the six months ended Nov. 30. FedEx also attributed the strong 2020 package volumes to an increase in e-commerce that it projected will continue in the years ahead. HKG, meanwhile, faced headwinds even before the pandemic began due to political unrest in Hong Kong and the negative impact of the trade war between the U.S. and China on Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Cargo. The carrier, which implemented mass cuts to passenger capacity, reported its worst-ever financial results for a loss of 21.6 billion Hong Kong dollars (US$2.8 billion) in its 2020 earnings report released earlier this week. The outlook for HKG to rebound and reclaim the top spot in 2021’s rankings is also unlikely. Cathay Pacific forecasts a challenging 2021 ahead, stating, “We expect to operate at well below a quarter of pre-pandemic passenger flight capacity in the first half of 2021 with improvement in the second half of the year.” Even with Cathay’s freighter fleet operating at full capacity, the loss of belly space on passenger aircraft caused a 35.5% year-over-year drop in available capacity in 2020. Cargo Facts Asia, taking place April 20-21 as a virtual experience, is the event for exploring opportunity in the Asia-Pacific region. The event continues to bring together the best, brightest, and most innovative executives in the global air cargo industry. Learn more and register at www.cargofactsasia.com .

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Memphis Airport surpasses Hong Kong in 2020 cargo throughput

Express volumes from airport anchor FedEx contributed to Memphis boost

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YTO Cargo Airlines nabs 767s, moves into widebody freighters

Amazon controls one-third of the global 737NG freighter fleet, but where do the others fly?

Amazon controls one-third of the global 737NG freighter fleet, but where do the others fly?

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CARGO FACTS CONSULTING

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Japanese air exports up in December and January, imports down

Follow Us