According to www.aircargonews.net, Taiwan-based China Airlines reported a 43.9% year-on-year surge in cargo revenue for the second quarter of 2026, reaching T$23.6 billion. Freight tonne-kilometres (FTK) rose by 8.6% to 1.5 billion, while available freight tonne-kilometres (AFTK) increased by 2.6% to 2.1 billion.
Cargo load factor and yield gains
The growth in demand outpaced capacity expansion, lifting the cargo load factor to 70.5% from 66.6% a year earlier. Revenue growth outstripped volume growth due to stronger pricing: average yield climbed to T$15.78 per FTK, up from T$11.01 per FTK in Q2 2025. The airline attributed this to higher-value shipments, noting that “
“In addition to existing high-tech cargo demand such as AI servers and semiconductor equipment, seasonal fruits and high-value spot cargo also boosted revenues [in June], helping to maintain stable cargo performance.”
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AI and semiconductor-driven demand
The surge aligns with rapid expansion in Taiwan’s high-tech export sector, particularly driven by global demand for AI infrastructure and advanced semiconductors. TSMC — the world’s largest contract chipmaker — controls over half the global semiconductor foundry market and manufactures approximately 90% of the world’s most advanced microchips. This ecosystem has intensified air cargo requirements across key Asian export markets, including those served by China Airlines routes linking Taiwan with North America, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Fleet modernization and strategic capacity management
To meet sustained demand, China Airlines is expanding its freighter fleet. In November 2025, the carrier confirmed it had increased its order for Boeing 777-8F aircraft to eight units, in addition to purchasing four 777Fs. Simultaneously, it announced plans to sell four older Boeing 747-400Fs to Cargolux. The airline stated it is “closely monitoring market dynamics to maximise passenger and cargo capacity by actively securing high-yield charter and block-space opportunities.” It also expects “the gradual decline in international oil prices [to] further expand profit margins.”
Forward outlook and regional implications
Looking ahead to Q3 2026, China Airlines anticipates continued strong demand for AI servers, semiconductors, and information and communications technology (ICT) products. As noted in its official statement: “
“Looking ahead to the third quarter, sustained demand for the shipment of AI servers, semiconductors, and info-comm related products is expected to maintain steady performance across key Asian export markets.”
” This trajectory reflects broader industry trends: air cargo stakeholders are increasingly prioritizing yield optimization and asset flexibility amid rising e-commerce logistics pressure and tightening labour availability in global aviation hubs.
Source: Air Cargo News
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
