IAG Cargo has seen sharply increased volumes both in and out of its just-opened Kuala Lumpur service, John Cheetham, regional commercial manager for Asia Pacific and India told reporters in Kuala Lumpur on 3 July.

“Performance has exceeded expectations” Cheetham said. Since Kuala Lumpur came on line at the end of May exports to the UK and Ireland have risen by 57 per cent, nearly ten times more than the six per cent increase in outflow to Europe and two-thirds more than those to North America which grew by 37 per cent.

Imports into the Malaysian capital have increased as well. Both the UK and Ireland saw a 40 per cent rise double those from North American which increased by 20 per cent. These are not totally unexpected by the carrier which was had noted a sharp increase in first quarter sales compared to last year. “It gave us confidence” said Cheetham.

One part of this was huge growth to North America, although all destinations grew. Leaders were North America and Africa and the Middle East which saw increases of 85 per cent and 78 per cent respectively. IAG Cargo opened the Kuala Lumpur to London Heathrow route on 27 May with up to 15 tonnes of belly capacity on each daily flight.

The increases are also reflected in the Malaysian economy which is expected to grow 4.7 per cent this year and five per cent next. Exports are expected to grow at 6.8 per cent and imports at 6.9 per cent in 2016, which is a significant opportunity for air cargo carriers.