Category: news

By Damian BrettDamian Brett3 April 2025

Donald Trump

Last night saw US president Donald Trump reveal a slew of new tariffs and also confirm the date from which Chinese goods will no longer benefit from the de minimis exemption.

In what the president has dubbed ‘liberation day’, Trump announced a universal 10% tariff on imports into the country, while certain nations are subject to higher levels.

A chart highlighting the tariff changes on a country-by-country basis showed that imports from China would be subject to tariffs of 34%, the European Union 20%, Vietnam 46% and Taiwan 32%. These are due to come into force on 9 April while the universal tariffs are due on 5 April, giving countries little time to negotiate with the US.

According to forwarder Flexport, China’s tariffs are on top of section 301 tariffs, the 20% tariff implemented in early March, and baseline US tariffs.

Last week, the Trump administration also announced a 25% tariff on autmobiles that starts today, along with a 25% tariff on automobile parts due to come into force in May.

He has also previously implemented a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican imports that are not covered by the North American free-trade agreement.

Reciprocal_Tariffs

Market analyst Xeneta said it is not expecting the tariffs to result in an immediate jump in airfreight rates but could result in demand decreases as a result of lower consumer demand due to higher prices.

Niall van de Wouw, Xeneta chief airfreight officer, said: “We saw an uptick in air cargo rates from China and Europe to the US at the end of March but nothing to set alarm bells ringing. The more likely scenario is a decrease in air cargo rates if tariffs result in higher prices and lower consumer demand.

“We could also see lower demand for US exports if there is growing anti-US sentiment across consumers in regions hit by the tariffs. Consumer sentiment has the potential to be even more powerful than tariffs.

“We should also consider there will be more capacity added to these trades in the coming weeks as airlines start summer schedules, which will also put downward pressure on rates.”

 

According to Xeneta figures, air cargo spot rates currently stand at $4.16 per kg from Shanghai to US, down from the peak season high of $5.75 per kg in the week ending 10 November.

Spot rates from western Europe to the US stand at $2.16 per kg, down from the peak season high of $3.51 per kg in the week ending 15 December.

US retailers are expecting the tariffs to hit US consumers’ spending power and warn the sudden implementation will create issues.

“Tariffs are a tax paid by the US importer that will be passed along to the end consumer,” said National Retail Federation executive vice president of government relations David French. “Tariffs will not be paid by foreign countries or suppliers.

“Even more so, the immediate implementation of these tariffs is a massive undertaking and requires both advance notice and substantial preparation by the millions of US businesses that will be directly impacted.”

De minimis update

Amongst the various executive orders issued by the White House yesterday was an update on the end of the de minimis exemption for imports from China.

The US had tried to end the exemption that allows packages worth less than $800 to enter the country tariff-free and with minimal customs scrutiny in February.

But the country was forced to backtrack on its plans when it became clear customs did not have the systems in place to process the millions of packages that arrive from China every day.

However, the White House yesterday issued an update, saying that it planned to remove the exemption for China packages from 2 May. Packages that are sent through international postal networks will be subject to a different set of duties than those that are sent by other modes of transport.

“Imported goods sent through means other than the international postal network that are valued at or under $800 and that would otherwise qualify for the de minimis exemption will be subject to all applicable duties, which shall be paid in accordance with applicable entry and payment procedures,” the White House said.

“All relevant postal items containing goods that are sent through the international postal network that are valued at or under $800 and that would otherwise qualify for the de minimis exemption are subject to a duty rate of either 30% of their value or $25 per item (increasing to $50 per item after June 1, 2025).

“This is in lieu of any other duties, including those imposed by prior orders.”

 

The different rules depending on how items are sent is likely to differentiate between small-scale shippers and e-commerce giants such as Shein and Temu which have such large volumes that they are able to charter aircraft and create direct commercial agreements with airlines to move their goods.

The impact of the removal of the de minimis exemption on e-commerce volumes, which has helped fuel a boom in air cargo in recent years, is debated.

Some are expecting it to have a large impact on the market, while others argue that the goods are so cheap anyway that adding a few extra dollars on top won’t make too much of a difference.

Others, however, say the need for customs to process packages will slow delivery times and make the overall proposition less attractive to consumers.

There are also expected to be changes to e-commerce supply chains, with Chinese firms utilising a more traditional distribution setup, with warehouses in the US to store goods and an increased use of ocean shipping.

They could also export from countries that are still able to benefit from the de minimis exemption or go through Mexico and Canada.

Shipping upside

While the latest developments are likely to be a blow to air cargo demand expectations, there is one geopolitical development that is expected to result in increased volumes if it is implemented.

The Office of US Trade Representatives (USTR) has proposed a fee ranging from $500,000 to $1.5m per US port call by any Chinese carrier, Chinese vessel, or other carrier that has Chinese vessels as part of their global fleet.

Ocean container carriers are expected to try and avoid the fees by calling at fewer ports, which could cause major congestion and delays to the US.

Xeneta’s van de Wouw said: “The proposed fees on Chinese vessels and carriers entering US ports could have a more significant impact if congestion in ocean container supply chains causes shippers to move more goods by air.

“With around 98% of the world’s goods transported by ocean, it doesn’t take much of a percentage shift to have major implications for air freight, as we saw during Covid-19 and the Red Sea crisis.”

 

 

Emirates Courier Express launches

By Rebecca Jeffrey Rebecca Jeffrey 2 April 2025

Emirates has launched end-to-end delivery solution Emirates Courier Express with what it said is an average delivery time of less than 48 hours.

The airline has worked with various global customers to pilot the service, focusing on speed, reliability and flexibility.

As part of the pilot, Emirates Courier Express transported several thousands packages from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, South Africa and the UK over the last year.

Badr Abbas, divisional senior vice president, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “Emirates Courier Express is an evolution in how we move goods across the globe, at speed and at scale.

“Building on our world-class and well-established infrastructure, and reimagining traditional logistics processes where necessary, this innovative solution does not just meet the Emirates Gold Standard of reliability and excellence but sets a new benchmark for what’s possible.

“This is only the beginning of our vision to continuously innovate and lead the charge in the express delivery sector.”

Traditionally, cross-border delivery is managed via a global hub-and-spoke model, with a package making multiple stops before arriving at its end destination.

But with Emirates Courier Express, packages will travel from origin to destination directly, utilising Emirates’ global network and flight frequencies.

This reduces time in transit and package handling, explained the airline.

Direct connectivity is matched with different service levels, ranging from next-day urgent delivery to a two-day premium service.

The launch will make Emirates Courier Express active and available in seven markets, but Emirates added that delivery could extend to anywhere in its air network.

Emirates Courier Express has access to over 250 widebody passenger and freighter aircraft to move packages worldwide.

The service is also bolstered by an integrated cross-border network of partners to manage the customs clearance and first and last mile transportation to fulfill the door-to-door service.

 

Emirates stressed that the service’s integration into the airline’s existing infrastructure allows Emirates Courier Express to handle volume fluctuations from seasonal spikes while maintaining cost stability.

The integration also enables Emirates Courier Express to provide bespoke and tailored solutions, regardless of the type of product being carried.

A team of dedicated specialists provide niche segment solutions, facilitated by the airline’s freight and logistics infrastructure, including cool chain capacity, allowing the transportation of specialist or sensitive products from launch.

Emirates Courier Express is entirely digital. It operates using a purpose-built technology platform that features advanced tracking systems and offers real-time updates, while integrating directly into customer software.

Expansion of the service is also already being planned.

Dennis Lister, senior vice president of product and innovation, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “Emirates Courier Express is the result of challenging the status quo. Along with the industry, we watched the increasing volumes of cross-border shipping and challenged ourselves to find a better way to transport these goods faster and more efficiently.

“The new product launch reflects our ongoing commitment to push the boundaries to introduce innovations which drive real impact and ensure our customers always have access to the fastest, most reliable and cost-effective solutions available.”

2 April 2025         No. 14

Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) will focus on the need to modernize operations, invest in workforce development, and strengthen coordination and collaboration to improve performance.

“Ground handling is critical for the safety, efficiency and resilience of the entire aviation industry. The key word we will focus on at this year’s IGHC is “elevate”. We’ll be looking for ways to drive better performance in the ground handling sector. That means modernizing operations, investing in the workforce, and strengthening coordination and collaboration so that ground handling can support growth even more efficiently,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

IGHC is taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 13 to 15 May 2025, hosted by Kenya Airways. It is the first time that the conference will be hosted on the African continent.

Speakers and Sessions

The President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, and the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Airways, Allan Kilavuka will be among the keynote speakers at the event.

The conference will feature plenary sessions, specialized tracks and workshops, addressing:

• Ground Operations: The reliability of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), the transition to hydrogen-powered GSE, the benefits of harmonized training, and key safety focus areas for ground personnel.
• Baggage Operations: For the first time, a dedicated session will cover real-time baggage tracking, the transition to modern messaging standards, and the shift to electronic bag tags.
• Collaboration and Innovation: Discussions will explore airport–ground handler collaboration, provide insights into privatization, and examine upcoming ground handling regulations.

Spotlight on Africa

In recognition of the critical role that ground operations play across Africa’s growing aviation sector, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya will attend the conference and has extended invitations to regulators and aviation authorities from across the continent.

“Aviation opens a world of economic and social development opportunities, and aviation’s greatest potential is to make a real difference to the prosperity of people in Africa. Welcoming and supporting the IGHC in Kenya is an example of the importance that Kenya places on the aviation sector and the expectations that we have for it as a sector leading development in Kenya and across the continent,” said H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya.

 

Hosting IGHC 2025 in Nairobi underscores IATA’s commitment to supporting aviation growth in Africa, in line with its broader efforts under the Focus Africa initiative.

“As Africa’s aviation leader, Kenya Airways is honored to pioneer this landmark event. Hosting IGHC aligns with our mission to drive innovation, foster partnerships, and showcase Africa’s readiness to shape the future of global air travel. Hosting IGHC 2025 in Kenya reaffirms our commitment to advancing the industry—both domestically and continentally—to unlock prosperity and connectivity,” said Allan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways.

IGHC is open to accredited members of the press.

By Damian BrettDamian Brett27 March 2025

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Automotive supply chain

Source: Catwalk Photos/Shutterstock.com

US president Donald Trump has announced import tariffs of 25% on automobiles and automobile parts coming into the country.

The Trump administration said the automobile tariffs would come into effect on 2 April, while those on parts will be implemented no later than 3 May.

The tariffs are designed to encourage firms to manufacture cars in the US.

Industry observers expect the move to push up the cost of buying cars in the US – around half of all cars sold in the country are imported – and therefore dent sales figures.

“In recent years, American-owned automotive manufacturers have experienced numerous supply chain challenges, including material and parts input shortages, labour shortages and strikes, and electrical-component shortages,” the executive order reads.

“Meanwhile, foreign automotive industries, propelled by unfair subsidies and aggressive industrial policies, have grown substantially.  Today, only about half of the vehicles sold in the US are manufactured domestically, a decline that jeopardises our domestic industrial base and national security, and the US’ share of worldwide automobile production has remained stagnant.”

The US imports around 8m cars per year, while US manufacturers are reliant on parts manufactured in other countries, particularly Mexico and Canada. Around 60% of cars made in the US use imported parts, according to research from investment bank Berstein.

However, according to CNN any parts coming from Canada and Mexico that comply with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be exempt from the tariffs until US customs has a system in place to apply tariffs to non-US parts.

“A new 25% tariff on US imports from outside of North America would reduce vehicle imports by 73.9%, increase average prices of vehicles in the US by 5%, and increase variable profits from domestic production by 5.2%,” according to research from David Riker, research division, US office of economics.

Reuters reports that some manufacturers have responded with plans to increase production of cars in the US, although there are concerns about making large investments in plants based on a policy that could at any moment be reversed.

 

The air cargo industry transports all types of automotive spare parts, everything from windshields, engines, tyres, shafts, gearboxes, seats, windshields, electronics and spare parts for production sites, right up to entire cars.

ByIan Molyneaux

Andy Murray

March 27, 2025, 12:10 (UTC +3)

Airlines

Korean Air Boeing order 777 9s 787 10s

Boeing

Korean Air and Boeing have finally signed off on a long-anticipated order for up to 50 brand-new widebody jets, having first announced the potential agreement at Farnborough Airshow last year.

The finalized order, announced on March 26, 2025, includes 20 Boeing 777-9s and 20 787-10s, with options for 10 additional 787 Dreamliners in the future.

Boeing has described the agreement as a “landmark order” between two companies with a business partnership that stretches back half a century.

“For over 50 years, Korean Air and Boeing have built a relationship based on trust and mutual growth. Today, we further strengthen our historic relationship with this landmark order,” said Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air and Hanjin Group. “We look forward to continuing our journey with Boeing as our trusted partner in innovation and excellence.”

The order will see the new widebody aircraft, powered by GEnx and GE9X engines, join Korean Air by 2033 in a deal worth $24.9 billion.

Boeing and Korean Air unveiled the airline’s plan to purchase up to 50 of Boeing’s widebody aircraft on the first day of the 2024 edition of the Farnborough Airshow.

“This record order is the culmination of our more than 50-year partnership with Korean Air and demonstrates the strength of Boeing’s market-leading widebody family,” said Dan Schull, Boeing Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Northeast Asia. “The combination of economic efficiency and range of the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will position Korean Air for continued growth and long-term success.”

The engine order with GE Aerospace also includes a service agreement to cover the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GE9X engines.

 

“We’re grateful for the Korean Air team putting its trust in us again,” said Russell Stokes, President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, GE Aerospace. “Today’s order represents the next chapter in our long-standing partnership with Korean Air and reaffirms our commitment to support their successful fleet upgrade and expansion.”

By Damian BrettDamian Brett21 March 2025

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The pressure on air cargo to be sustainable declined last year in a “shock” industry survey result, according to the latest Tiaca Sustainability Insights Report.

The report included a survey of 274 industry professionals and this year 61% of respondents said they felt pressure to be sustainable compared with 67% in 2024 and 64% in 2023.

It is the first time since 2022 that the results have shown that the pressure to be sustainable has decreased.

Tiaca secretary general Glyn Hughes said that it was “quite a shock” to see a decrease, adding that the result was “one we were not prepared for”.

The survey also shows that the pressure to be sustainable was down 13 percentage points to 44% for small businesses, flat at 60% for medium businesses and down five percentage points to 71% for large businesses.

However, Tiaca also pointed out that the pressure to be sustainable was still higher than in 2021 when 58% of respondents felt the pressure to be sustainable and 2022 when the figure stood at 56%.

“This is one that we were not prepared for,” said Hughes. “We have all seen in the press that since [US] president [Donald] Trump came into office the focus on diversity equity and inclusivity has diminished and the US focus on global warming has diminished as he feels they are not crucial topics.”

Tiaca sustainability survey

Hughes said that the survey also asked why sustainability matters to companies, and here there was also a decrease across the various options, other than for shareholders.

“Over the last few years, we have seen an increase in every sector, whether it is customers, employees, partners, shareholders, financial institutions, regulators, community etc.

“What we are seeing here now is that it is still important for all of those sectors but the scale of that importance is decreasing. It is only shareholders where we have seen an increase.

“Every one of the other categories has actually decreased vs the prior year. Again that is reversing the trend we saw over the previous two years.”

 

He added: “[It is] a little bit of an alarming situation going forward and as an association we need to continually remind people that sustainability as a topic is one of the most crucial factors to enable this industry to thrive as different groups become more challenging of us as a transport sector.”

There were also some positive results in the survey, with one question highlighting that sustainability was gaining greater visibility at the chief executive and chief financial officer levels.

The survey showed that 96% of respondents confirm support from their chief executives, while 88% report chief financial officer engagement in sustainability initiatives.

It also showed that 71% of companies now have a dedicated sustainability strategy, with larger firms leading at 84% compared to 60% of small businesses.

Other results showed that 42% of surveyed organisations have a dedicated sustainability budget, and 53% now have a sustainability team, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to ESG initiatives.

And the report notes a decline in engagement with SAF and carbon offset initiatives, with only 32% of companies actively investing in SAF solutions and 35% utilising carbon offsets.

Instead, 72% of companies are prioritising energy efficiency to decarbonise operations and reduce costs.

This includes fleet modernisation, digitalisation, and innovation as key focus areas, with 84% actively investing in digital solutions and 83% in innovation-driven sustainability measures.

There is also an industry-wide push to eliminate single-use plastics, with 91% of respondents indicating active measures to phase out single-use plastics and foam.

Meanwhile, the results also highlighted that respondents mainly viewed sustainability from the perspective of environmental topics.

“We also need to focus on us as an industry,” said Hughes. “Attracting the next generation, how we can become more efficient, how we can use digitalisation, how we can create the right working environment, how we can create a fully inclusive and diverse workforce so we can capture the opportunity that presents and create an industry that can really be a good career choice for everybody.

“So it is interesting to note the strong focus on environment but we as an association need to make sure the other parts of the sustainability agenda continue to get a lot of focus.”

The full survey results can be found here.

By Damian BrettDamian Brett20 March 2025

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Cainiao and Qatar Cargo deepen partnership covering e-commerce

A surge in air cargo spot rates out of Asia Pacific in recent weeks due to a rush to get goods into the US following tariff announcements and a quarter-end pickup appears to be easing off.

Sources reported that spot market rates out of China and Hong Kong had begun to surge around 10 March, increasing by around 20% over the past week. In the last couple of days, increases appear to have flattened off.

Dimerco vice president, global sales and marketing, Kathy Liu confirmed that the spot market had surged recently as shippers moved goods before the quarter end.

“Most shippers had been holding their shipping schedules since January, waiting to see any new tariff announcements from the Trump administration. With the quarter-end approaching, they have now released their shipments,” Liu said.

However, she added that the surge could not be compared with the same period in 2024 – when the market was handling rapidly rising e-commerce demand and modal shift due to the Red Sea missile attacks.

Liu added that the surge had lasted around two weeks and came from all key gateways in China, but had not resulted in any capacity shortages.

The surge came after the US added a second 10% tariff increase on goods from China at the start of the month.

Earlier this week rate data provider TAC Index released its figures for last week, reporting the global Baltic Air Freight Index increased 2.3% over the week to 17 March, leaving it ahead by 4.3% over the past 12 months.

“Sources said rates were generally being pulled up by rising spot prices, particularly on Transpacific routes,” TAC said in its market round-up.

“Rates out of China were rising in the last week on lanes both to Europe and to North America, leaving them at similar levels to 12 months ago.

”The index of outbound routes from Hong Kong was up only 1.2% week on week, but higher on nearly all major lanes, leaving it up by some 7.9% year on year. Outbound Shanghai surged 7% week on week – though leaving it only up 1.1% year on year.”

Earlier this month, Air Cargo News reported that rates out of Hong Kong remained above last year’s levels in February despite concerns regarding the impact of tariffs (see chart below).

19 March 2025

Sydney – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling for the rapid adoption of digital identity technologies to enhance aviation security and operational efficiency.

Leading government and industry stakeholders in aviation security participating in the Sydney Leaders Week Conference supported this position, emphasizing the need for collaboration in implementing Verifiable Credentials (VC) and Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs).

Sydney Leaders Week, hosted by Qantas, is being attended by industry experts and government representatives from Australia, Canada, China, New Zealand, the UK, and the US.

It is widely accepted that digital identity can bring the following benefits to aviation security:

• Stronger Document Integrity: Reducing fraud and unauthorized access.
• Global Trust: Enabling secure, cross-border, interoperable identity verification.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamlining document verification for a smoother passenger experience, strengthening regulatory oversight, and optimizing resource allocation.

“Global cooperation keeps flying secure. Adopting Verifiable Credentials and Decentralized Identifiers standards is a natural next step in reinforcing security, trust, and efficiency. Every aviation stakeholder wants flying to be even more secure—which crosses geopolitical divides. The technology is ready and proven. We now need to take the momentum of this meeting and work towards obtaining a recommendation at the upcoming ICAO assembly later this year,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security.

Strengthening Security Through Digital Transformation

Aviation security leaders at the conference also identified key actions for governments to drive the industry’s digital transformation:

• Fast-Track Technology Integration: Incorporate VC and DID technologies into national and international security frameworks, aligning with ICAO Annex 17 and Aircraft Operator Security Programs (AOSP).
• Prioritize Aviation Digital ID Use Cases: Integrate aviation digital identity solutions into national digital strategies to enhance global cooperation.
• Invest in Capacity Building: Allocate resources to equip industry stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and infrastructure for seamless implementation.
• Increase Stakeholder Engagement: Promote awareness and industry-wide adoption of digital identity solutions through targeted education and outreach.

Industry is Working to Support Governments in Adopting Digital Identity

As part of this effort, IATA’s One ID initiative promotes globally interoperable digital identity standards, enabling passengers to verify their travel documents before departure and move through the airport using biometric recognition instead of physical documents. One ID works in harmony with ICAO’s Digital Travel Credential ensuring security and efficiency while maintaining privacy and compliance with global regulations.

IATA is also advancing its Aviation Security Trust Framework, which sees regulatory alignment, cross-sector collaboration and infrastructure as critical components to realize the benefits of digital identity in global aviation.

For more information on the Aviation Security Trust Framework and digital identity initiatives, download the white paper from IATA’s website.

March 10, 2025 by Payload Asia

 

For decades, air cargo has been a male-dominated industry, but times are changing. More women are stepping into leadership and operational roles, reshaping the future of logistics and proving that gender diversity is not just an aspiration but a necessity for innovation and growth. At the forefront of this transformation is Etihad Cargo, which has made deliberate efforts to foster an inclusive workplace where women are empowered to thrive.

Jacqueline Han Lin Ni, Regional General Manager, Northeastern Asia, Etihad Cargo.

“Etihad Cargo recognises that diversity is a key driver of success, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where women feel empowered to thrive. We have made deliberate efforts to increase female representation across all levels of the organisation, ensuring that women have equal opportunities in operational and leadership roles,” says Jacqueline Han Lin Ni, Regional General Manager, Northeastern Asia, Etihad Cargo.

From mentorship to leadership: Supporting career growth

Mentorship plays a crucial role in career growth, and Jacqueline strongly believes in its ability to elevate women in the workplace.

“Mentorship has been instrumental in my own career, and I strongly believe in its power to support and elevate women in the workplace,” shares Jacqueline. “At Etihad Cargo, we have formal mentorship programmes that connect female employees with experienced leaders who can provide career guidance, share insights, and help them navigate challenges. These programmes facilitate professional growth and help build confidence and expand networks, which are crucial for career advancement.”

Beyond mentorship, Jacqueline also highlights the importance of structured sponsorship programs, where senior leaders actively advocate for high-potential women and ensure they are considered for leadership opportunities.

“The industry has an opportunity to introduce more structured sponsorship programmes, where senior leaders actively advocate for high-potential women, ensuring they are considered for key roles and leadership opportunities. Sponsorship is particularly important because it goes beyond guidance—it provides tangible career progression by positioning women for promotions and leadership positions. I have personally seen the impact of mentorship in empowering women at Etihad Cargo, and I am committed to further strengthening these initiatives to help more women advance in the industry.”

Overcoming challenges in a traditionally male-dominated industry

Despite progress, women in air cargo continue to face challenges, particularly in leadership and technical roles. Jacqueline acknowledges these barriers and emphasises how Etihad Cargo is addressing them.

“The air cargo and logistics industry has historically been male-dominated, and women continue to face several challenges, particularly in leadership and technical roles,” says Jacqueline. “Gender stereotypes persist, and women are often underestimated when it comes to operational and decision-making positions. Additionally, a lack of female representation in leadership can make it difficult for women to envision a long-term career path in this field. Another challenge is retention—talented women leave the industry due to limited career growth opportunities, inflexible work arrangements, or workplace cultures that do not always foster inclusivity.”

To combat these challenges, Etihad Cargo has implemented policies that support work-life balance, leadership training to accelerate career progression, and recruitment processes designed to eliminate bias. These steps are helping more women not just enter the industry, but thrive and advance within it.

How women drive innovation

Diversity is not just about fairness—it’s also about performance and innovation. Etihad Cargo has experienced firsthand the benefits of having a diverse workforce.

“Diversity in leadership and decision-making drives innovation, and at Etihad Cargo, we have seen first-hand how gender diversity contributes to our success. Women bring different perspectives, collaborative leadership styles, and innovative approaches to problem-solving, which are essential in a fast-paced, complex industry like air cargo. A diverse workforce fosters creativity, improves decision-making, and enhances team performance,” shares Jacqueline.

The role of women in shaping the future of logistics cannot be overstated, particularly as the industry undergoes rapid technological transformation, including automation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable supply chain solutions. Having diverse voices at the table ensures that companies remain agile and competitive.

Paving the way for the future

While Etihad Cargo has made significant strides in gender diversity, the company remains committed to continuous improvement.

“Gender diversity remains a strategic priority at Etihad Cargo, and we are continually looking for ways to enhance our initiatives and create new opportunities for women within the organisation,” Jacqueline says. “While we have already implemented mentorship and leadership development programmes, we are exploring additional ways to provide opportunities to help more women advance into senior positions.”

 

With 47% of operational roles currently held by women and 50% female representation in management within Northeastern Asia, Etihad Cargo is setting an example for the industry.

Empowering the next generation of women in air cargo

Jacqueline’s own career serves as a testament to the opportunities available to women in the air cargo industry, and she offers this advice to aspiring professionals:

“My advice to women pursuing a career in logistics is to embrace the challenges, seek mentorship, and advocate for themselves. This industry offers incredible opportunities for those who are willing to step forward and take on leadership roles. Surround yourself with mentors and role models who can guide you, build resilience, and never be afraid to push for what you deserve. Most importantly, believe in your own capabilities—your voice and contributions matter, and they will shape the future of air cargo.”

The future of logistics is more diverse than ever, and with companies like Etihad Cargo leading the way, the air cargo industry is proving that gender diversity isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for long-term success.

18 March 2025

Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has enhanced its IATA CO2 Connect emissions calculator to account for carbon emissions reductions related to the usage of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

This follows the recent publication of the IATA SAF Accounting & Reporting Methodology which includes specific accounting rules and practices on how to include SAF in per-passenger CO2 data. Initially, CO2 Connect will apply equal per-passenger emission reductions across an airline’s network, meaning that all flights will benefit from an equal (percentage) reduction based on total SAF purchases. In future enhancements, the ability to allocate per-passenger SAF emission reductions to specific routes will be added.

“Corporations and individual travelers want to clearly understand how sustainable their flying is. And, particularly if they have invested in SAF, they want to know what impact it is having. By enhancing CO2 Connect with the IATA SAF Accounting and Reporting Methodology we are providing the transparency and accuracy that individuals and corporates demand,” said Frederic Leger, IATA’s Senior Vice President Commercial Products and Services.

Growing Number of CO2 Connect Participants

IATA CO2 Connect uses real operational data, such as aircraft type-specific fuel consumption, directly contributed by airlines. This approach contrasts with other calculators that primarily rely on modeled averages. With the recent inclusion of Air India, Air Astana, Air Europa, Amelia, Clic Air, Corsair, Hi Fly, Oman Air, Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas and Royal Air Maroc, some 60 airlines are now contributing data to CO2 Connect. With each new airline participant, the accuracy and transparency of IATA CO2 Connect’s calculations improves—for individual travelers and corporates.

“With the strong support of all our participating airlines and the new ability to accurately account for SAF in the calculation, IATA CO2 Connect is going from strength to strength. It is a powerful tool to support aviation’s decarbonization powered by global standard methodologies and high-quality data,” said Leger.