Category: news

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.

 

By Rebecca JeffreyRebecca Jeffrey7 March 2025

CMA CGM Air Cargo 777-200F. Photo: CMA CGM

CMA CGM Group plans to develop a new air cargo hub in Chicago and deploy its fleet of Boeing 777 freighters to expand US air cargo capacity and meet airfreight demand in the region.

The plans are part of a $20bn investment initiative in US maritime transportation, logistics and supply chain capabilities over the next four years, said CMA CGM in a press release.

“Anchored by a new hub in Chicago, the Group will deploy five new Boeing 777 freighters, operated by American pilots, to strengthen US trade and connectivity and ensure the reliable transport of critical and time-sensitive goods,” said CMA CGM.

CMA CGM Air Cargo currently operates four freighters; three Boeing 777Fs, plus a single Airbus A330F that is currently parked for maintenance. In the short term, two more 777Fs are expected to be delivered to the airline.

The airline has also ordered eight Airbus A350Fs, although Airbus has recently pushed back the entry-into-service date of its A350F to the second half of 2027.

CMA CGM Air Cargo previously had plans for fewer aircraft, but revised its fleet investment goals following the breakdown of its partnership with Air France KLM.

In addition to investing in airfreight, CMA CGM’s plans include growing the fleet and employees of its US container shipping company American President Lines (APL); developing port infrastructure in key locations across the US, including New York, Los Angeles, Dutch Harbor, Houston, and Miami; developing warehousing and automotive logistics platforms; and opening a new logistics research and development hub in Boston that will focus on advanced robotics and automation solutions.

Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and chief executive of CMA CGM Group, said: ”I am proud to build on our long-standing relationship with the US through this commitment of $20 billion to the country’s maritime future and logistics capabilities.

“Over the next four years, we will significantly grow our US-flagged fleet, expand the capacity of key container ports on both coasts, develop state-of-the-art warehousing across the country, and establish a significant air cargo hub in Chicago.

”This will create 10,000 new American jobs and further strengthen our partnership with American customers and public authorities.”

Rebecca Jeffrey

By Damian BrettDamian Brett11 March 2025

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Air France Cargo

Copyright: Airbus S.A.S. 2021 – computer rendering by FIXION – MMS – 2021

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) has decided to reduce the number of A350 freighter aircraft it has ordered from Airbus in light of production delays and following a fleet portfolio assessment.

The decision will see AFKLMP reduce its A350F order from eight aircraft to six. Three of these aircraft will be operated by Air France and three by KLM subsidiary Martinair.

A spokesperson confirmed a report in CH Aviation and said that following the adjustment, the Franco-Dutch group’s freighter fleet would be maintained at its current level of six aircraft, complemented by the belly capacity of the group’s passenger aircraft.

“Air France-KLM constantly assesses its fleet portfolio to best balance future capital expenditures with commercial and operational efficiency,” a spokesperson for the airline said.

“With this in mind, and in the context of Airbus’s announcement that the Airbus A350F Full Freighter’s entry-into-service would be delayed, the group has decided to adjust its order of the type, from eight to six aircraft Airbus A350F aircraft.

“This confirms the Group’s commitment to operating a mixed cargo model, with a fleet of full freighter aircraft, capable of addressing the diverse needs of its customers,” the spokesperson said.

The A350Fs will replace Air France’s Boeing 777-200F aircraft and KLM/Martinair’s Boeing 747-400F aircraft, whose leases can be extended to ensure the continuity of full-freighter operations.

The order for the two remaining A350Fs will now be replaced by two Airbus A350-900 passenger aircraft.

These A350-900 passenger aircraft will come in addition to the Group’s existing order for 50 A350 aircraft, placed in September 2023.

At present, AFKMP Cargo operates two Boeing 777Fs and four Boeing 747-400Fs.

In February, Airbus announced it would push back the entry-into-service date of its A350 freighter to the second half of 2027, from its earlier expectation of 2026.

The airframer stated that it is facing “specific supply-chain challenges, notably with Spirit AeroSystems”, which are “putting pressure” on ramp-up of A350 production.

 

Last week, the cargo division reported a revenue decline in 2024 but cargo traffic and volumes improved.

Damian Brett

By Fardeen Malbarwala, Director of Galaxy Freight Pvt Ltd

Freyt World Blog: Indian Air Cargo Growth

India’s air cargo industry is on a remarkable growth trajectory, expected to handle 5.8 million tonnes of cargo by 2029. This ambitious forecast highlights the sector’s pivotal role in the nation’s economic growth and its ability to outperform both global and Asia-Pacific averages. Recent trends show a 19% increase in market performance, driven by the growing demand for efficient, high-speed logistics solutions fueled by domestic consumption, exports, and advancements in infrastructure.

Economic Resilience and E-commerce Expansion

At the heart of this growth is India’s resilient economy, projected to grow by over 6% annually, even amid global economic uncertainties. With the e-commerce market alone expected to reach $350 billion by 2030, the demand for timely and efficient freight solutions has never been greater. India’s dominance in exporting pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods amplifies the importance of air cargo. Pharmaceuticals account for a significant share of temperature-sensitive shipments.

The government has also stepped up efforts to build a robust logistics ecosystem. The National Logistics Policy (NLP), introduced in 2022, aims to reduce logistics costs from 14% of GDP to 8%. Key initiatives, including the PM Gati Shakti program, have driven investments in airport modernization, multi-modal logistics hubs, and technology integration across supply chains.

India’s airport infrastructure is evolving rapidly. Recent expansions in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are complemented by cargo-centric facilities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport established world-class cargo zones, handling 140,000 tonnes of goods in 2024—a 16% year-on-year increase. This trend signifies the decentralization of air cargo operations, enabling faster delivery to remote regions and unlocking economic opportunities nationwide.

Challenges Facing India’s Air Cargo Industry

Despite its strong growth outlook, India’s air cargo industry faces notable challenges. Global inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties, such as trade tensions and fluctuating oil prices, introduce elements of unpredictability. These external factors are compounded by domestic hurdles, including congestion at major airports, insufficient cold chain infrastructure, and regulatory inefficiencies that can delay shipment clearances.

Sustainability has become a critical focus for the sector. Global markets demand lower carbon footprints, pressuring Indian carriers to adopt fuel-efficient aircraft and explore renewable energy solutions. Industry leaders are responding. IndiGo, for instance, has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, showing a broader commitment to sustainability.

 

Opportunities for Logistics Professionals and Freight Forwarders

Amid these challenges, India’s air cargo market presents a wealth of opportunities for logistics professionals and freight forwarders. Additionally, the rapid expansion of e-commerce demands seamless digital solutions. For example, real-time cargo tracking and predictive analytics for supply chain optimization are essential. Consequently, these advancements can significantly enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the industry. Investments in cold chain logistics are growing, with the pharmaceutical industry projected to reach $65 billion by 2025. This fuels demand for temperature-controlled freight solutions.

Regional airports, many of which remain underutilized, hold immense potential for transforming India’s air cargo landscape. Pune’s Lohegaon Airport and Coimbatore International are emerging as critical nodes for regional connectivity. They reduce dependence on overcrowded metropolitan hubs. This enables a more balanced distribution of cargo flows.

India’s air cargo industry is shifting, fueled by economic growth, government support, and technological innovation. Volumes are expected to reach 5.8 million tonnes by 2029. The sector is a cornerstone of India’s $5 trillion economy aspirations.

As the market outperforms global benchmarks, logistics professionals must embrace innovation and sustainability. Industry stakeholders must capitalize on India’s growth story now. Shape the future of a sector as dynamic as the nation. The journey ahead has hurdles, but with strong fundamentals and a clear vision, India’s air cargo industry is well-equipped to navigate the skies of opportunity.