Kuala Lumpur-based AirAsia is looking to cargo as a major growth area for 2010, targetting to grow its cargo revenue by more than 40 per cent over last year’s figure. The carrier is expanding its network of cargo agents and large exportimport firms. Its expanding network now reaches markets in South Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe beyond its current route network through special Prorate Agreements (SPAs).

Sathis Manoharen, AirAsia regional head for cargo said: “We’ve been signing up more key players in the cargo industry. Demand for our cargo space is picking up, and with AirAsia now up there among the world’s most recognisable brands and with the expanded reach that we have with our airline partners, more large companies are interested in our cargo services.”

Domestic cargo operations are also expected to receive a boost from increased demand for cargo services for perishables, including seafood from West Malaysia. Seafood and other perishables are currently among the carrier’s cargo revenue sources. “Most of the increased freight loads are machinery and car parts, electronics, food items, shoes and apparels,” added Manoharen.

AirAsia operates short- and longhaul flights on 132 routes to Australia, ASEAN (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines), mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, UAE and the UK.